AI transformation begins with connectivity

From increasing efficiencies to reducing costs, artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionize businesses by increasing efficiency and reducing costs. 

And while it might be one of the hottest topics no matter your industry or business, it seems AI still has a long way to go. In fact, IBM recently reported that only one out of four AI projects actually deliver the anticipated return on investment. 

The issue is not actually the technology itself, but rather the connectivity that underpins it. Without a secure, fast network to support it, even the most sophisticated AI systems are not able to function to their full capacity. 

According to the latest findings from Ericsson Enterprise Wireless Solutions' annual State of Enterprise Connectivity Report, 87 per cent of Canadian business leaders believe 5G is critical to fully reap the benefits of AI in the workplace. This is in part because in order to handle the vast amounts of data it creates, and its consumption requirements, AI needs a network with high bandwidth and low latency. 5G and Wireless WAN (WWAN) networks are great solutions, and can act as key facilitators of creativity, adaptability, and long-term business success.

The connectivity gap: Stalling the progress of AI

Consider the amount of time and effort that is required to upgrade a fibre line. It can take weeks, causing multiple disruptions while workers dig to reach the cables – also leading to delays and huge expenses. Outdated networks are not only inconvenient, but they can also quickly become unstable under increased strain, which in turn can affect productivity.

Unreliable connectivity is definitely a concern among Canadian businesses. Almost half of them (46 per cent) link unreliable connectivity to higher operational costs, while 45 per cent say it has led to operational inefficiencies, and 31 per cent say it is creating an increase in waste. Thirty per cent say it has led to a loss of earnings.

However, it is still very common for organizations to view connectivity improvements as an IT issue instead of an executive-level priority. As AI becomes more deeply integrated into every facet of business operations, there needs to be a shift in that mindset. Poor connectivity restricts advancement at every stage, from cloud migrations to the use of AI. Businesses need to focus on safe, scalable, and future-ready networks that foster resilience to overcome this and to fully realize the potential of AI. In these situations, 5G and WWAN networks a good solution.

5G: From infrastructure to strategic advantage

Connectivity is no longer merely an IT function; it is now a business enabler. 

In fact, the majority (90 per cent) of Canadian businesses agree that more secure, reliable and high performing networks such as 5G will help to position the country as a world class industrial and technology leader. 5G is also viewed by 44 per cent of those surveyed as a key enabler for the development of IoT, AI and other technological applications. An additional 46 per cent believe it will improve bandwidth. 

AI-driven use cases are rapidly developing, but reliable, secure connectivity is essential to their success. Almost nine of 10 (87 per cent) of those surveyed believe 5G is critical to optimizing the use of AI within the workplace. 

Many Canadian companies are already leveraging 5G to boost their business through production efficiency (68 per cent), customer experience (62 per cent), enhancing scalability (57 per cent) and reliability/resilience (56 per cent). 

AI and connectivity: accelerating each other's potential

According to 85 per cent of Canadian companies, AI is already enhancing network performance, so the advantages are not all one-way. Given its capacity to analyze vast volumes of data and identify anomalies, it can decrease the stress on IT workers and secure networks. 

More organizations are turning to AI to transform WWAN and private 5G networks from basic infrastructure into sophisticated systems that maximize performance and improve resilience There are already instances in the market of AI predicting traffic patterns, managing network resources efficiently, and being able to determine root causes of network issues with the recommended remediation. These tasks free up IT teams, enabling them to instead focus on more critical business objectives.  

Not only can AI help maintain current WWAN performance, but it can also help top decision makers plan for their network's future. Using AI for data analysis, automation, and predictive insights will provide more detailed input into network operations decisions covering costs, performance and optimization.  

Building the future of AI on the right foundation

There are specific industries and businesses across the country that could undergo a serious transformation thanks to AI, but only if the necessary infrastructure is in place. Since businesses now need modern, reliable connection, networks like 5G and WWAN are essential growth enablers. 

There are endless opportunities that can be achieved when we combine AI and connectivity – but to foster innovation and increase productivity, businesses need to view them as a strategic partnership.