What is 5G, and Why Does It Matter?

5G isn’t just a faster version of 4G. It’s a fundamental redesign of how wireless networks operate. While 4G was built primarily to support consumer data (think video streaming and social apps), 5G is engineered for machines, systems, and industrial infrastructure — with ultra-low latency, high bandwidth, and massive device density.

This shift has far-reaching consequences for resilience. Where 4G focused on people, 5G empowers systems to speak to each other — reliably, and in real-time.

4G vs 5G: The Key Differences

• Latency: 4G averages ~50 milliseconds. 5G can go as low as 1 millisecond.

• Speed: 4G tops out around 100 Mbps. 5G can exceed 10 Gbps.

• Capacity: 5G handles 1 million devices per km² — crucial for sensor-dense manufacturing environments.

• Architecture: 4G is largely centralised. 5G introduces decentralised computing via Edge and Standalone (SA) configurations.

But it’s not just about performance. It’s about contro

From Connectivity to Continuity

In today’s risk landscape — cyberattacks, supply chain shocks, weather volatility — resilience is no longer theoretical. Businesses must continue operating through disruption, not just recover afterward.

This is where 5G Standalone + Edge Computing becomes relevant.

5G SA (Standalone) isn’t reliant on legacy 4G infrastructure. It enables features like network slicing — dedicated virtual networks for critical services, with guaranteed performance levels. Edge Computing processes data closer to the source (e.g., on-site or nearby), avoiding lag and reducing dependency on central servers or the cloud.

Together, these technologies offer:

• Isolated & Resilient Environments: Critical operations can be shielded from public internet disruptions.

• Instant Decision-Making: Real-time feedback loops in manufacturing and logistics.

• Failover-Ready Architectures: Seamless switching between Edge nodes in the event of downtime.

Why Manufacturers Should Pay Attention

A factory floor powered by 5G SA + Edge doesn’t just run faster — it becomes smarter and more fault-tolerant:

• Predictive Maintenance becomes real-time intervention.

• Inventory Systems adapt dynamically to supply chain changes.

• Workplace Safety is monitored live via wearables and smart cameras.

The result? Resilience that’s baked into the fabric of the operation — not bolted on after the fact.

What’s Holding the UK Back?

Despite the promise, UK adoption of 5G — especially 5G SA — has been slow. Reasons include:

Fragmented Strategy: Coordination between telecom providers, regulators, and enterprise users has lagged.

Cost & ROI Uncertainty: Many firms are unsure how to justify the investment, especially in a soft economic climate.

Lack of Use Case Awareness: Outside of tech circles, the value of 5G SA + Edge for business continuity remains under-communicated.

But there are bright spots.

Glasgow’s 5G Blueprint: What Works

Glasgow has quietly emerged as a UK leader in 5G resilience, thanks to a model of public-private coordination. Through initiatives like the Scotland 5G Centre and collaborations between city authorities, telecoms, and academia, the region has prioritised:

• Shared infrastructure

• Cross-sector knowledge transfer

• Deployment aligned to industrial use cases

The result? Glasgow boasts some of the most consistent 5G SA coverage in the UK — and a growing ecosystem of manufacturing, logistics, and tech firms ready to build on it.

Closing the Gap Between Tech and Risk

At a time when UK regulators are asking firms to evidence resilience in action, not just on paper, 5G offers a pathway. But like any tool, its impact depends on how — and where — it's deployed.

It’s not about faster internet. It’s about faster recovery.

Resilience isn’t a document. It’s a design choice. And 5G, done right, can make that choice easier.