New research has found that almost two-thirds (66%) of field service businesses have not begun to prepare for the implementation of 5G technology, with those in IT accounting for the largest proportion.

Less than a quarter (23%) of IT-related field service businesses have taken steps to prepare for 5G, according to a new study from business app marketplace, GetApp.

Nearly half (45%) of those who said they either hadn’t taken steps or didn’t know what steps to take came from IT departments, an area where 5G technology is likely to make a huge impact soon.

The research found that cloud and video technology were the two main focuses for field service businesses. 57% of those surveyed said that they had already taken steps to implement these technologies, with 45% saying that cloud software was most important in optimizing performance and generating revenue.

GetApp predicts that 5G wireless technology will signal the first shift away from consumer devices and toward an ample group of devices, such as VR headsets and autonomous vehicles. 

Victoria Wilson, specialist analyst at GetApp, commented on the research, “Advancements in technology move at breakneck speed. While it can sometimes be difficult to keep up, it’s vitally important that businesses remain prepared for upcoming changes that could affect the way they work. Our survey shows that many businesses in the field service industry are at risk of being underprepared when 5G arrives.

“It would be easy to fall into the trap of presuming that 5G is a consumer-focused advancement. That’s why we’ve put together our guide to 5G in the field service industry, helping businesses understand how it works, how it could affect them, and what they can do to ensure they’re fully prepared for the next step in connectivity technology.”