When IT professionals think about leveraging 4G LTE for business use, most only consider wireless network capabilities in the sense of business continuity and backup networks. While this is an ideal scenario for 4G in the enterprise, we have seen an uptick in additional applications as the reliability and cost-effectiveness have improved. In fact, Cradlepoint estimates that 60% of North American IT decision-makers are deploying 4G for increased WAN flexibility, security, reliability, and cost savings. With 5G just around the corner, it’s likely that we will see even more businesses implementing wireless solutions into the WAN.
However, even with the positive trends in the market, there are those who are still skeptical when it comes to implementing wireless WAN networks. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular misconceptions.
Virtually everyone has been hit with overage charges on their personal mobile account. In recent years, most providers have restructured plans to include “unlimited” and “rollover” options to accommodate the ever-increasing amount of data being used by consumers. Business plans are no different. In fact, the large wireless carriers give businesses the ability to share data across multiple locations and devices, all under a single account number. In doing such, businesses can now enjoy simplified account management, optimized data usage, and reduced costs across the entire organization.
When it comes to internet connectivity, reliability is always a top concern. This is especially true when downtime can take such a big toll on a business’s finances and reputation. Carriers know how critical an always-on, reliable network is to business communications. This is why networks are continually upgraded to meet the needs and expectations of the consumer and the enterprise. In fact, AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon are constantly being evaluated on network reliability by research organizations like RootMetrics, Ookla, and JD Power to give a true account of the network speeds, reliability, and coverage. Again, as 5G comes into play, we expect network reliability to increase, giving businesses an even bigger opportunity to take advantage of wireless networks for mission-critical business initiatives.
In the consumer world, deciding on mobile options is easy. Just pick a phone, plan, and carrier, and you’re off to the races! In the enterprise, there are often more complex scenarios that require a more deliberate approach to leveraging 4G in the WAN. LanYap Networks can help you determine if 4G LTE is right for your business. Give us a call and let’s talk about your specific business needs.
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