A brand new report from Ericsson exhibits that as enterprises embrace 5G and AI to future-proof operations, spectrum and complexity stay key hurdles
Ericsson’s 2025 State of Enterprise Connectivity report reveals that as enterprises navigate financial uncertainty, labor shortages, and fast tech adoption, dependable connectivity is foundational to success. Particularly, the report gives a deep dive into how U.S. companies are leaning on 5G, AI, and IoT to future-proof operations, enhance effectivity, and keep aggressive.
“The information not solely highlights the advantages of AI to the fashionable enterprise setting, it additionally reveals the mutually useful relationship between 5G and AI,” said Ericsson. “As 5G gives the fixed high-speed connectivity essential for AI-based information sharing, AI know-how has the power to mechanically optimize 5G wi-fi large space networks (5G WWAN) and 5G non-public mobile networks (PCNs).”
Primarily based on a nationwide survey of tech decision-makers, the findings reveal each the momentum behind next-gen networks and the roadblocks that might gradual progress. Listed below are a number of key takeaways:
1. 5G Is important to enterprise innovation and AI adoption
- 93% of enterprises see 5G as essential to U.S. tech management.
- 88% say 5G is “vital to optimizing the usage of AI within the office.”
Respondents view AI and 5G as mutually reinforcing — 5G permits AI workloads, whereas AI enhances 5G efficiency and safety. “These findings counsel a mutually useful relationship between 5G and AI as each applied sciences turn out to be extra widespread. 5G permits the high-speed information transfers AI techniques depend on, whereas AI enhances 5G community efficiency and safety,” the report said.AI can be addressing workforce challenges: 89% of corporations say AI helps upskill community administration workers. “This workforce enablement enhances the position of 5G, which facilitates the info motion required for AI instruments to function effectively,” mentioned the seller. “Collectively, they type a basis for enterprises to scale innovation whereas optimizing each human and technological assets.”
2. Spectrum availability is a nationwide competitiveness difficulty
- 80% of enterprise leaders say delayed spectrum auctions are hindering 5G deployment and innovation.
Resulting from these issues, Ericsson discovered sturdy help for restoring the FCC’s authority to public sale spectrum to be able to keep international competitiveness. “Previous to 2023, the FCC was in a position to maintain auctions for licensed spectrum, eradicating allocation choices from the federal government and as a substitute promoting the spectrum to the very best bidder,” defined Ericsson, including that this created a lane for 5G operators to purchase licensed spectrum.
That authority lapsed in March 2023, resulting in frustration within the trade. “…the federal government is just not sufficiently disseminating spectrum for 5G to fulfill the present allocation wants of at present’s companies,” the report continued. “This may permit 5G operators to seize the spectrum and make it accessible to these most ready to push innovation all through the nation. The choice, per legislators, is a nation that might lag behind the remainder of the world in 5G deployments.”
3. Non-public 5G and managed WWAN are key to overcoming deployment boundaries
- Prime hurdles embody: deployment prices (52%); {hardware} improve complexity (46%); and present infrastructure points (41%).
Managed 5G WWAN and personal networks are seen as scalable, safe and cost-effective options — notably in logistics, healthcare and manufacturing. To simplify adoption, distributors are working to copy the convenience of Wi-Fi experiences.
From the report: “In the present day, warehouses, hospitals and manufacturing amenities are more and more adopting non-public 5G to offer devoted bandwidth for his or her most important units. These options supply built-in safety and constant uptime, permitting community directors to handle operations with larger confidence and fewer complexity.”
4. Unreliable connectivity carries main enterprise dangers
- 95% of executives say unreliable networks result in elevated prices or inefficiencies.
- 30% cite reputational injury.
- 26% level to income loss.
In accordance with Ericsson, WWAN and personal 5G options can mitigate these dangers by boosting uptime and community resilience. “Non-public 5G permits large-scale enterprises to leverage devoted bandwidth for his or her most significant enterprise features. Furthermore, it permits companies to maximise their investments in Wi-Fi and WWAN options, creating a robust connectivity ecosystem that may meet all of an enterprise’s connectivity wants,” said the seller.
Wanting forward: A future constructed on 5G and AI
As AI turns into extra superior, it should demand extra from enterprise connectivity. Ericsson expects each AI and 5G to evolve in tandem. “As AI know-how turns into extra progressive, 5G know-how is ready to do the identical,” mentioned the corporate. “Within the meantime, companies nonetheless have the chance to implement the connectivity options that can put together them for what’s subsequent.”