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According to a study by Precedence Research, the 5G business internet market is projected to be a USD 47.07 billion market by 2032, growing at a staggering CAGR of 32.6% from 2023 to 2032.
There are good reasons for this impressive forecast.
The transformative potential of 5G runs the gamut from lighting fast downloads to enabling a new generation of technologies and capabilities such as IoT, autonomous vehicles, remote medicine, and smart cities.
In particular, 5G business internet is set to revolutionize the way companies operate, offering unprecedented speed and reliability that can facilitate seamless remote work, real-time data analysis, and advanced automation.
This technology is not just about faster internet; it is about enabling a new era of connectivity that can drive innovation, efficiency, and growth in businesses across all sectors.
Here are our top picks for 5G business internet providers of 2023:
- Verizon: Best for its 5G Ultra Wideband network. (Read more)
- T-Mobile: Best for nationwide 5G coverage in the United States. (Read more)
- AT&T Business: Best for symmetrical speeds. (Read more)
- Ericsson: Best for energy efficiency and IoT applications. (Read more)
- Nokia: Best for massive machine type communication. (Read more)
Top 5G business internet providers comparison
The following comparison table provides a snapshot of key features across the five leading 5G business internet providers: AT&T, Ericsson, Nokia, T-Mobile, and Verizon.
| High-speed connectivity | Low latency | Network slicing | Massive connectivity | Enhanced Mobile broadband (eMBB) | Starting price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verizon | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | $69/month |
| T-Mobile | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | $50/month |
| AT&T | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Contact for Pricing |
| Ericsson | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Contact for Pricing |
| Nokia | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Contact for Pricing |
Jump to:
- Key features of 5G business internet
- How do I choose the best 5G business internet for my business?
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Methodology
Verizon
Best for comprehensive 5G business solutions
Verizon, a leading telecommunications company, offers comprehensive 5G business solutions that are designed to cater to a wide range of business needs. Verizon’s 5G business internet service is built on their 5G Ultra Wideband network, offering high speed, low latency, and massive capacity. This makes it a top choice for businesses that require reliable and fast connectivity for their operations.
Pricing
- Verizon offers a range of pricing options depending on the speed requirements of the business (rather than data limits).
- The 100 Mbps plan starts at $69 per month.
- The 200 Mbps plan is priced at $99 per month.
- The 400 Mbps plan, designed for businesses with high data demands, is priced at $199 per month.
Features
- High-speed connectivity: Verizon’s 5G business internet service offers high-speed connectivity, with plans offering up to 400 Mbps.
- 10-year price guarantee: Verizon offers a 10-year price guarantee with no long-term service contracts, providing businesses with predictable costs over the long term.
- 30-day satisfaction guarantee: If businesses are not satisfied with the service, they can cancel within 30 days and receive a refund of the internet service charge.
Pros
- Verizon’s 5G business internet service offers high-speed connectivity, making it suitable for businesses with high data demands.
- A 10-year price guarantee provides businesses with cost predictability over the long term.
- A 30-day satisfaction guarantee offers businesses the flexibility to try the service risk-free.
Cons
- The pricing, while competitive, may be high for small businesses or startups with limited budgets.
T-Mobile
Best for small businesses
T-Mobile, an American wireless network operator, offers 5G business internet services that are designed to be both affordable and user-friendly. T-Mobile’s 5G business internet service is aimed at small businesses, offering unlimited data backed by their extensive 5G network.
Pricing
- T-Mobile’s 5G business internet service is priced at $50 per month with AutoPay, offering an extremely competitive pricing model for small businesses.
- Larger businesses with more complex network needs will need to reach out to T-Mobile’s sales team for pricing information.
Features
- Unlimited data: T-Mobile’s 5G business internet service offers unlimited data, which could be a significant advantage for businesses with high data usage.
- Easy setup: The service is designed to be user-friendly, with a setup process that takes just 15 minutes.
- No annual contracts: T-Mobile offers flexibility with no long-term commitments, which could be beneficial for businesses with changing needs.
Pros
- T-Mobile offers affordable 5G business internet services with a simple, straightforward pricing model.
- The company’s 5G business internet service includes unlimited data.
- T-Mobile’s service is designed to be user-friendly, with a quick and easy setup process.
Cons
- T-Mobile’s 5G business internet service is primarily aimed at small businesses, which could limit its suitability for larger businesses or those with more complex requirements.
- During congestion, T-Mobile’s Small Business Internet customers may notice speeds lower than other customers due to data prioritization.
AT&T Business
Best for symmetrical speeds
AT&T Business is a notable player in the 5G business internet landscape, particularly recognized for its symmetrical speeds. This means businesses can expect similar upload and download speeds, a feature that can be crucial for operations that involve large data transfers, such as cloud computing and video conferencing.
AT&T Business also offers a mobility feature, which can be beneficial for businesses with remote or mobile workforces. In addition, they provide a wireless broadband backup option, which can be a valuable safety net in case of power outages or primary service disruptions.
Pricing
- AT&T Business offers a range of plans, with pricing varying based on the specific needs and requirements of the business.
- For detailed pricing information, potential customers are directed to the AT&T Business website.
Features
- Symmetrical upload and download speeds: This ensures that businesses can upload and download data at equally fast rates, which is particularly beneficial for operations that involve large data transfers such as VoIP or streaming.
- Mobility feature: Mobility supports businesses with remote or mobile workforces, allowing them to stay connected regardless of their location.
- Wireless broadband backup: This serves as a safety net during power outages or primary service disruptions, ensuring that businesses can maintain their operations even under unforeseen circumstances.
- Static IP: With this feature, businesses can host servers for email, FTP, VPN, and websites, and enable remote access.
- 24/7 dedicated business customer service: This ensures that businesses can get the support they need whenever they need it.
Pros
- Symmetrical upload and download speeds.
- Mobility feature that supports businesses with remote or mobile workforces.
- Wireless broadband backup option.
- Static IP, enabling businesses to host servers for various purposes and to enable remote access.
- Offers 24/7 dedicated business customer service.
Cons
- Pricing and plan details are not readily available and require further inquiry.
- Coverage and service quality may vary by location.
Ericsson
Best for energy efficiency
Ericsson, a Swedish multinational networking and telecommunications company, has been heavily involved in the development of 5G standards and technology.
The company’s 5G solutions aim to address a wide array of business needs, from high-speed data transfer to massive device connectivity.
Pricing
- Ericsson’s 5G solutions come in various forms, and pricing is likely to depend on the specific needs of the business.
- Detailed pricing information isn’t readily available on the Ericsson website, which could be a hurdle for potential customers trying to make quick comparisons or decisions.
Features
- High data rates: Ericsson’s 5G technology claims to offer high-speed data transfer.
- Reduced latency: The company states that its 5G technology has lower latency, which could be beneficial for businesses requiring real-time data analysis.
- Energy efficiency: Ericsson’s 5G technology is designed to be energy-efficient, which could be a selling point for environmentally conscious businesses or those trying to cut overhead.
- Massive device connectivity: Its 5G technology supports the simultaneous connection of a large number of devices, a feature that could be useful for businesses relying on IoT.
Pros
- Ericsson has a broad portfolio of 5G products and solutions.
- The company’s 5G technology claims to offer high data rates and reduced latency.
- Ericsson’s 5G solutions are designed to support massive device connectivity.
Cons
- Detailed pricing and plan information is not readily available on the Ericsson website.
- The effectiveness of Ericsson’s 5G solutions may vary depending on location and specific business needs.
Nokia
Best for massive machine type communication
Nokia, a Finnish multinational telecommunications, information technology, and consumer electronics company, is recognized for its comprehensive portfolio of 5G products, services, and licensing opportunities.
Nokia’s 5G solutions are designed to support a wide range of use cases, including enhanced mobile broadband, massive machine type communication, and ultra-reliable low latency communication.
Pricing
- Nokia’s 5G solutions are diverse, and pricing is likely to depend on the specific needs of the business.
- Detailed pricing information isn’t readily available on the Nokia website.
Features
- Enhanced mobile broadband: Nokia’s 5G technology claims to offer enhanced mobile broadband, which could be beneficial for businesses requiring high-speed internet connectivity for mobile or dispersed teams.
- Massive machine type communication: This feature supports the simultaneous connection of a large number of devices, a feature that could be useful for businesses relying on IoT.
- Ultra-reliable low latency communication: Nokia’s 5G technology claims to offer ultra-reliable low latency communication, which could be beneficial for businesses requiring real-time data analysis.
Pros
- Nokia offers a comprehensive portfolio of 5G products and services.
- The company’s 5G technology supports a wide range of use cases.
- Nokia’s 5G solutions are designed to support massive machine type communication.
Cons
- While Nokia offers a comprehensive portfolio, this could also be overwhelming for businesses that are new to 5G technology, making it harder to identify the right solutions for their specific needs.
- Their pricing information is not listed and their precise offering is vague.
Key features of 5G business internet
If you are in the market for 5G business internet, there are several key features that make it a great business option, including its trademark high-speed connectivity and low latency, plus enhanced elements like network slicing and massive connectivity.
High-speed connectivity
One of the most significant advantages of 5G business internet is its high-speed connectivity. 5G networks can offer speeds that are significantly faster than those of previous-generation networks. This means that businesses can download and upload data more quickly, which can improve efficiency and productivity.
High-speed connectivity can be particularly beneficial for businesses that rely on real-time data transfer, such as those in the financial services or healthcare sectors.
Low latency
5G networks also offer low latency, which is the time it takes for data to travel from one point to another. Low latency can improve the performance of business applications, particularly those that require real-time interaction, such as videoconferencing or online gaming.
For businesses, low latency can mean smoother video calls, faster load times, and improved responsiveness in applications.
Network slicing
Network slicing is a unique feature of 5G networks that allows businesses to create multiple virtual networks within a single physical 5G network. This can be particularly useful for businesses that have varying needs for different parts of their operations.
For example, a business might require a high-speed, low-latency network slice for its real-time applications, and a separate, high-capacity slice for its data-intensive applications.
Massive connectivity
5G networks are designed to support a massive number of devices simultaneously. This can be particularly beneficial for businesses that use IoT devices, as it allows them to connect more devices to the network without impacting performance. Massive connectivity can enable businesses to deploy IoT solutions on a larger scale, improving efficiency and data collection.
Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB)
Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) is a feature of 5G networks that provides high-speed broadband connectivity on mobile devices. This can enable businesses to provide their employees with high-speed internet access on the go, improving flexibility and productivity.
How to choose the best 5G business internet for your business
Choosing the best 5G business internet for your business is a crucial decision that can significantly impact your operations and productivity. The best choice will depend on your specific needs, the nature of your industry, and the unique features that different providers offer.
For example, if your business relies heavily on real-time data transfer and applications, providers like AT&T, Ericsson, and Verizon, which offer high-speed connectivity and low latency, could be a good fit. These features can improve the performance of real-time applications, making operations smoother and more efficient.
Businesses in sectors like manufacturing, logistics, or retail that use a large number of IoT devices will find the massive connectivity offered by all five providers — especially Nokia, Ericsson, and Verizon — can be a game-changer. This feature allows a large number of devices to be connected simultaneously without impacting network performance, enabling businesses to scale their IoT solutions.
If your business requires different network capabilities for different operations, the network slicing feature offered by AT&T, Ericsson, Nokia, and Verizon could be particularly beneficial. This feature allows businesses to create multiple virtual networks within a single physical 5G network, each tailored to specific needs.
For businesses with a mobile workforce, the Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) feature offered by all five providers can provide high-speed internet access on mobile devices. This feature can improve flexibility and productivity, allowing employees to access high-speed internet wherever they are.
Lastly, pricing is an important consideration. T-Mobile and Verizon offer clear pricing models, with T-Mobile’s 5G business internet service starting at $50 per month and Verizon’s starting at $69 per month. AT&T, Ericsson, and Nokia require businesses to contact them for pricing, which could offer more flexibility but also makes quick comparisons more difficult.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can 5G be used in business?
5G can be used in businesses in several ways:
- Enhancing communication: Its high speed and low latency can improve communication within businesses, making videoconferencing and remote collaboration more efficient.
- IoT integration: 5G can support a vast number of IoT devices, enabling businesses to leverage IoT technology for improved data collection, automation, and efficiency.
- Remote work: With 5G technology, businesses can offer more robust remote work options, as employees can access high-speed internet from anywhere.
- Real-time analytics: 5G facilitates real-time data analysis, helping businesses make quicker and more informed decisions.
Why should businesses adopt 5G?
Businesses should adopt 5G for several reasons:
- Speed and efficiency: 5G offers faster data speeds and lower latency, which can increase productivity and efficiency.
- Future-proofing: As more technologies (like IoT, AI, and VR) start to rely on 5G, adopting 5G can help businesses stay competitive. Besides, let’s face it, eventually everything will run on 5G — and you don’t want your business to be the last one to adapt.
- Improved customer experience: Faster and more reliable internet can enhance the customer experience, especially for businesses that offer online services or products.
What are the drawbacks of using 5G for a business?
Despite the clear advantages, there are several potential drawbacks for businesses using 5G:
- Security concerns: With more devices connected, there could be more points of vulnerability that could be exploited by cyberthreats.
- Infrastructure cost: Transitioning from 4G to 5G requires a complete overhaul of existing infrastructure, which can be costly.
- Limited coverage: As of now, 5G coverage is not universally available and is primarily concentrated in urban areas.
- Potential health effects: There are ongoing debates about the potential health effects of the higher frequency radio waves used by 5G. Although previous claims about 5G causing viruses have proven spurious, the long-term effects of radiation are harder to assess.
- Interference with flight operations: There have been concerns raised about the potential for 5G signals to interfere with radio altimeters in aircraft.
Methodology
We evaluated each provider based on several key aspects of 5G business internet services, including speed and reliability, coverage, pricing, customer service, and unique features.
Primary data about each provider was gathered directly from the vendor’s website, ensuring that our information is up-to-date and accurate. We also took into account the provider’s reputation in the industry and their commitment to innovation in the 5G space.
We also analyzed user feedback on various review websites. This allowed us to gain insights into the real-world performance of these providers and their services, as well as the experiences of businesses that use them.
Bottom line: The best 5G network provider for your business
Choosing the right 5G business internet provider is a critical decision that can significantly impact your business operations. The majority of 5G business internet services in the U.S. are provided by the five companies discussed in this article. Each provider offers a unique set of features and options that cater to different business needs.
While AT&T, Ericsson, Nokia, T-Mobile, and Verizon are all leading providers, the 5G business internet market is rapidly evolving, and new providers may emerge in the future. As the 5G landscape continues to evolve, staying informed about the latest offerings and advancements can help you make the most of this transformative technology.
Once you have your 5G provider picked out, don’t forget to fortify your network. Here are some particular 5G security concerns to watch out for.
