There is growing momentum behind operators piloting network services across different industry verticals and building use cases that leverage the capabilities of 5G. In the area of defence, AT&T’s 5G network has been employed by US defence contractor Northrop Grumman and Fujitsu in a trial of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. Meanwhile, in agriculture, Maxis has partnered with the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI) to automate farming practices using IoT applications and mobile infrastructure.
A growing portfolio of enterprise solutions is helping operators link digital transformation with 5G, networks and connectivity. 5G and IoT are driving enterprise strategies for most operators. While operators are reporting significant increases in customers for 5G private wireless networks, their use for military applications has gained limited traction outside the US. Globally, it remains an opportunity to be explored by other operators. Meanwhile, the agricultural sector has garnered attention in the enterprise context, with many operators offering services for its modernisation. With pilots gathering pace, further activity is expected within and across different industries over the coming year, alongside the continued rollout of 5G.