5G technology has the potential to revolutionize business and community services in rural areas, which can improve the living standards of residents[3]. It can address the challenges in developing e-commerce and enhance customer experiences[2][4]. However, the impact of 5G in rural areas is limited by cost, range, and social factors, which requires holistic solutions for equitable access[6].
Impact on Rural Businesses
* Agriculture and Aquaculture 5G connectivity can increase food producersâ productivity and reduce their environmental impact[1]. For example, in trials on farms, 5G mmWave connectivity enabled robots to destroy weeds with electricity instead of harmful pesticides, which could improve crop yields by 200%[1]. Farmers can use 5G-equipped drones to capture images across hectares of farmland, which allows them to analyze the quality and quantity of grass and determine where fertilizer is needed[3].
* Remote Work 5G mobile broadband can create new work opportunities in rural areas[3]. The availability of ultra-fast 5G internet connectivity makes remote work possible for citizens in remote and rural areas[3]. 5G-enabled remote working could also help rural residents access better jobs and training[5]. Drop-in 5G routers can offer managed, commercial-level connectivity and security to workers who operate from home[3].
* Healthcare With 5G connectivity, sensors can collect and provide essential data regarding animal health[3]. Patients would be able to access quality medical services in their homes[3].
* Tourism 5G can enhance tourism by introducing new methods of engaging visitors[5].
E-commerce Activities
* Transformation 5G, combined with AI, VR, AR, and other technologies, can play a powerful role in transforming the e-commerce industry and market[2].
* Customer Engagement The faster speed of 5G networks and high-resolution screens of 5G-enabled devices might lead to a higher degree of customer willingness to engage in e-commerce activities, more time spent on e-commerce websites, and more purchases online[2]. Faster speeds and higher-resolution screens are also associated with a higher degree of enjoyment[2].
* AI Enhancement 5G will dramatically improve consumer experiences with AI-based devices, allowing them to access additional structured and unstructured information quicker and understand the environment and context better[2].
* Overcoming Challenges The deployment of 5G networks can help overcome some of the current challenges in the development of e-commerce, such as with IoT devices[2]. 5Gâs higher data transmission and processing speeds will address concerns related to the exponential growth in IoT devices that current 4G networks cannot handle[2].
Citations:
[1] https://www.gsma.com/5ghub/ruralareas
[2] https://libres.uncg.edu/ir/uncg/f/N_Kshetri_5G_2018.pdf
[3] https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/rural-remote-communities-using-5g-enable-better-imran-chaudhry
[4] https://nybsys.com/5g-in-the-retail-industry/
[5] https://scotland5gcentre.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/MobileUK-5G-Rural-Life.pdf
[6] https://sustainability-directory.com/question/how-effective-is-5g-in-addressing-rural-connectivity-challenges/
[7] https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/computer-science/articles/10.3389/fcomp.2023.1191853/full
[8] https://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_The_Impact_of_5G_Report.pdf