Are you ready for 5G?

Preparing for 5G

With all digital technology, we advocate planning and strategy. To plan for 5G, revisit your charity’s digital strategy. In brief, it’s important for charity digital leaders to make sense of what the technology means for each team, and also, what the target aims are.

Because 5G will enable more ‘smart’ devices, it’s possible that your entire charity will work with smart tech. This means that wired devices, infrastructure, and other types of connecting hardware and software won’t be relied on.

Charities can start investing in smart wireless technology. 5G capable smart phones and devices will likely top the list of things to purchase.

With the increasing use of smart devices, charities also should prepare to protect their remote working environments with cybersecurity measures.

The journey to 5G for charities needs to be taken together. For charity digital leaders, this means taking the time to explain and educate team members on 5G. Like any new technology, charity leaders will need to explain how the technology works and supports charity aims.

It is time to start preparing. For charities on shoestring budget, taking charge of what investment looks like now is part of that plan. Charity digital leaders can already cost out the financing of 5G compatible devices, infrastructure upgrades, and training.

When the time comes, even those with limited funds can come out ahead with good financial planning.

Opportunities for charities on 5G

There are clear benefits to using 5G. For charities, 5G will likely enhance remote working and collaboration opportunities. TechSoup summarises the communication benefits in two ways.

First, for charities with staff working in remote areas, staff that are on-the-go seeing beneficiaries, or staff working from home, 5G can do a lot. Staff will be able to download and upload at speed and make reliable video calls from outside the office.

Second, 5G can enhance reach. 5G can help charities tap into mobile phone use even further. Tailoring content for 5G like video, augmented reality, gaming, and AI will give charities a real advantage.

For those who still feel uncertain about the type of content that will soon be more accessible, check out Charity:water’s immersive storytelling.

As the rollout of 5G continues across the country, charities based in cities will get opportunities to connect with rural areas. Pilot projects are already underway to test out how 5G will improve outreach.

As covered earlier by Charity Digital, the Rural Connected Communities projects offers funding for charities with 5G aims in the countryside. This could spell opportunity for service delivery innovation, environmental monitoring and other new ways of doing things.