As businesses and consumers demand faster, more reliable digital connections, 5G has become a driving force in modern network technology. The fifth-generation wireless network, or 5G, promises to deliver faster speeds, lower latency, and greater connectivity, revolutionizing how we live and work. Initially, 5G faced some significant obstacles, including high price premiums, limited coverage, and deployment delays during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, U.S. carriers have since launched consumer 5G services, removed the price premiums, and accelerated deployment efforts to meet the growing needs of remote work and increased digital engagement.

The benefits of 5G extend well beyond smartphones and consumer internet access. For businesses, 5G offers an array of advanced applications—from supporting remote work to enabling smart cities, autonomous vehicles, and sensor-based systems in manufacturing. As we move further into the digital age, 5G is set to become a foundational technology for industries seeking high performance, scalability, and adaptability. Below, we explore the top enterprise use cases of 5G and how these capabilities can help businesses achieve more with cutting-edge connectivity.

1. Fixed Wireless: Broadening Broadband Alternatives

One of 5G’s most promising applications for enterprises is in fixed wireless access, essentially replacing traditional broadband with a wireless connection. This alternative is invaluable for retail stores, multi-tenant buildings, remote areas, and even mobile environments. Fixed 5G can enhance connectivity between branch locations and headquarters, bringing additional bandwidth and Quality of Service (QoS) for applications that require crossover to cellular networks. As companies continue to establish work-from-home and hybrid work programs, fixed 5G offers reliable, high-performance connectivity for critical enterprise applications, seamlessly integrating with SD-WAN solutions.

2. Healthcare: Revolutionizing Patient Care and Medical Operations

In healthcare, 5G opens new avenues for secure, efficient, and responsive patient care. Many medical IT groups need equipment that remains securely air-gapped for cybersecurity reasons. Mobile healthcare workers, too, need reliable connectivity in the field, particularly in emergencies. With its low latency and high bandwidth, 5G enables real-time data transmission between ambulances and emergency rooms, ensuring immediate, critical patient care. Additionally, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, 5G has the potential to support mobile contact tracers, aiding public health initiatives with advanced location mapping and data collection.

3. Sensor-Based Systems: Enhancing IoT and Security

As IoT and sensor deployments grow, 5G facilitates the transmission of massive amounts of telemetry data back to analytics systems. In industries like manufacturing, agriculture, and building management, 5G’s support for IoT strengthens security and monitoring capabilities. Imagine how a 5G-powered system could prevent incidents like the 2013 Target data breach, where compromised HVAC sensors led to a major security breach. With 5G, companies can create secure, direct connections to vendor-managed systems, minimizing the risk of using the host’s network.

4. Edge Computing: Extending Connectivity Beyond the Core

5G plays a crucial role in the expansion of edge computing by providing both failover and primary connectivity in remote and mobile locations. With 5G’s high bandwidth, organizations can process data at the edge with a direct link back to headquarters, extending network capabilities across large areas. This setup supports mobile and field applications with the reliable connectivity they need, enabling real-time decision-making and data sharing, even in challenging environments.

5. Remote Device Control and Augmented Reality

5G’s ultra-reliable, low-latency connectivity makes it possible to control remote devices with precision and safety. Tasks that would typically be too dangerous—such as environmental cleanups or handling unexploded ordnance—are now within reach through robotic devices controlled remotely via 5G. For augmented reality (AR), which requires only minimal data transfer, 5G can support real-time information overlays for applications like maintenance, repair, and worker safety, making processes more efficient and informed.

6. Automotive Industry: Enabling the Future of Autonomous Vehicles

Connected and autonomous vehicles rely on real-time data transmission, making 5G essential for safe and efficient operation. Autonomous vehicles need rapid access to data processed off-vehicle, allowing them to make split-second decisions. With low-latency, high-bandwidth 5G connections, vehicle AI can receive the information it needs from centralized data centers, pushing the industry closer to a fully autonomous future.

7. Smart Cities: Building the Connected Communities of Tomorrow

In today’s urban areas, 5G is accelerating the evolution of smart cities. From streetlights and traffic signals to security systems and public safety applications, 5G’s speed and reliability enable seamless operation and real-time monitoring. Surveillance cameras require substantial bandwidth for high-resolution video, and public safety applications, like gunshot detection systems, depend on minimal latency. As cities adopt more connected services, 5G will become the backbone of these innovations.

The Business Case for 5G: A Transformative Opportunity

While consumers are enjoying the improved speeds and experiences that 5G offers, the real potential lies in enterprise applications. The critical use cases above underscore how 5G can redefine industries, offering reliability, speed, and scalability previously unseen in wireless technology. As businesses explore how 5G can enhance their operations and connectivity, it’s clear that this technology is not only here to stay but is set to transform how we work, connect, and innovate.

If you’re curious about how your business could leverage 5G, please reach out to us! We offer a free consultation with expert advice on how you can make the switch to 5G and take full advantage of its transformative potential.

Unlock Savings with a Comprehensive Mobile Expense Audit

When was the last time you took a deep dive into your company’s wireless expenses? Many
businesses are unknowingly overpaying thousands of dollars each year simply because they
haven’t conducted a thorough audit of their mobile spending. In this blog, we’ll explore the most
common areas where companies waste money on wireless expenses, why it’s so challenging
for businesses to identify these inefficiencies on their own, and how a telecom audit can unlock
significant savings.

The Hidden Costs Lurking in Your Wireless Bill

1. Unused Lines and Devices
Old devices that may have been put to rest years ago are still showing up on your bill, silently
adding to your expenses month after month. It’s common for businesses to overlook these
inactive lines—often belonging to former employees, outdated equipment, or temporary projects
that are no longer active. Additionally, many plans come with features that are no longer
relevant or used but are still being paid for. All of this results in expenses that could easily be
eliminated with a thorough audit.
Example: A company with over 200 employees discovered they were paying for over 50
unused lines after conducting a wireless expense audit. This realization led to thousands of
dollars in immediate savings every month.
2. Inactive Users
When employees leave a company, their mobile devices and plans often remain active, resulting
in unnecessary charges. Without a system in place to track and manage these changes,
businesses end up paying for users who no longer contribute to their operations.
Questions to Consider:
● Do you have a process in place to cancel lines when an employee leaves?
● Are there plans that remain active for employees who have long since left the company?
3. Legacy Plans
Many companies are still operating on outdated legacy plans, unaware that more cost-effective
options exist. These older plans often lack the features and benefits of modern solutions,
leading to inflated costs. By switching to newer plans and bundles, businesses can unlock
massive savings while potentially receiving better service.

Fact: Most telecom providers continuously update their plans to offer more data, better
coverage, and reduced prices. However, they rarely notify existing customers of these changes,
meaning you could be paying significantly more for outdated services.

Why Companies Struggle with Wireless Expense Management

Managing wireless expenses isn’t as simple as it sounds. In fact, many businesses lack the
in-house expertise to effectively audit their mobile expenses, and there are a few key reasons
why:
1. Complex and Confusing Plans
Telecom providers often present wireless plans in a way that makes them difficult to understand.
From various data caps and minute allocations to add-ons and special features, it can be hard
to decipher what you’re actually paying for. Changing plans or negotiating better rates is equally
challenging, as providers often bundle services together, making it tricky to identify where
savings can be found.
Reality Check: Even the most experienced IT decision-makers can struggle to understand the
nuances of mobile plans and identify which options offer the best value.
2. Limited Time and Resources
IT teams are often overwhelmed with daily responsibilities and projects. As a result, they don’t
have the time or resources to conduct a detailed audit of the company’s wireless expenses. This
lack of attention leads to missed opportunities for savings, as outdated plans and unused lines
continue to be billed.
3. Lack of Expertise and Knowledge
Telecom providers frequently change their offerings, and staying up-to-date with the latest plans,
rates, and features can be a full-time job. Many IT decision-makers are experts in technology
but may not be familiar with the intricacies of mobile expense management. This knowledge gap
can prevent businesses from realizing potential savings and from negotiating better deals with
providers.

The Solution: Conducting a Telecom Expense Audit

A telecom expense audit is the most effective way to uncover hidden costs and optimize your
wireless spending. Here’s how a professional audit can benefit your business:
1. Identify Immediate Savings

An expert will conduct a detailed review of your wireless expenses, identifying unused lines,
outdated plans, and unnecessary features. This process ensures that you’re only paying for
what you truly need, leading to significant savings.
2. Switch to Modern Plans and Bundles
By leveraging industry knowledge, a telecom expert can recommend modern plans and bundles
that provide the best value for your business. These updated plans often come with improved
features, better coverage, and lower costs.
Example: One of our clients was able to switch from an outdated legacy plan to a modern
bundle, reducing their wireless expenses by over 53% without compromising on performance.
3. White-Glove Service for Seamless Transitions
One of the biggest barriers to switching plans is the perceived hassle and complexity. However,
with a white-glove service, the transition is managed for you. Experts handle everything, from
dropping unused users to shifting legacy plans, ensuring a seamless and stress-free process.

Why Choose Centucom for Your Telecom Expense Audit?

At Centucom, we specialize in uncovering hidden savings for businesses of all sizes. Our team
has the expertise, industry knowledge, and dedication to help you navigate the complexities of
wireless expenses. Here’s what sets us apart:
● Expert Knowledge: We stay up-to-date with the latest telecom plans and rates,
ensuring you always get the best deal.
● Quick Turnaround: Our detailed audit takes just a few days, delivering results quickly.
● White-Glove Service: We handle every aspect of the transition, so you don’t have to.

Ready to Start Saving?

Don’t let unnecessary wireless expenses drain your budget any longer. Contact Centucom
today for a complimentary telecom expense audit and discover how we can help you unlock
massive savings on your mobile spending.

This blog covers the key points about why companies overpay on wireless expenses, the
challenges they face in managing these costs, and how Centucom’s expertise can make a
significant difference.

Download our One-Pager.

Take a look at our Mobile Expense Management One-Pager to see how we saved one of our
clients over 50% on their mobile plan within just a week of working with us.

As a CPA firm, your primary focus is on helping your clients manage their finances and improve profitability. You know their financials inside and out, but one area often overlooked for cost-saving opportunities is telecom and IT infrastructure. That’s where Centucom comes in.

Centucom: The IT Consultancy That Puts Your Clients First

Centucom is a vendor-agnostic IT consultancy that specializes in reducing costs and boosting efficiency for businesses by streamlining telecom and IT expenses. What makes us different? We’re not tied to any specific vendor, meaning our recommendations are based solely on what’s best for the client, not what’s best for the vendor.

For CPA firms, partnering with Centucom is a natural extension of the value you already provide to your clients. By introducing telecom expense management and IT audits, you’re able to help them save money in areas they might not even realize are costing them more than necessary.

Why CPA Firms Should Care About Telecom Expenses

Telecom expenses can be a significant portion of any company’s budget. This includes costs for internet, phone services, mobile plans, cloud services, and more. For many businesses, these expenses go unexamined, and over time, they can quietly erode profitability.

As a CPA, you’re in a unique position to notice when a client’s telecom or IT expenses seem unusually high. The problem is, telecom billing is notoriously complex, and unless you specialize in that area, spotting inefficiencies can be challenging. That’s where a partnership with Centucom can make all the difference.

How Centucom Adds Value for Your Clients

When you refer clients to Centucom, we begin with a comprehensive telecom expense audit. Our team analyzes their current telecom and IT spending to identify areas of inefficiency, hidden fees, or outdated contracts. On average, our clients see a 25% reduction in telecom costs after working with us.

But we don’t stop at just cutting costs. We also implement cost-effective, future-proof solutions that enhance operational efficiency, often leading to long-term savings beyond the initial audit.

What Your Partnership with Centucom Looks Like

• Step 1: Referral
  When you identify a client that could benefit from telecom or IT cost optimization, you refer them to Centucom. We take it from there, handling everything from the initial audit to ongoing support.
• Step 2: Full Audit & Recommendations
  Centucom conducts a thorough audit of your client’s telecom expenses, identifying where they can save and presenting actionable recommendations.
• Step 3: Implementation
  We work closely with your client to implement the recommended changes, securing cost-effective contracts and deploying solutions that not only save money but improve efficiency.
• Step 4: Ongoing Support
  Our relationship doesn’t end with the audit. Centucom provides dedicated support to ensure the solutions continue delivering value. This helps clients avoid reverting to inefficient spending patterns over time.

The Benefits for CPA Firms

By partnering with Centucom, you’re providing an additional service that enhances the value you offer your clients. Here’s how it benefits you:

• Client Loyalty: Helping clients reduce their telecom expenses strengthens your relationship, increasing loyalty and trust.
• Differentiation: Offering a specialized service like telecom auditing sets your CPA firm apart from others.
• Additional Revenue: Referral partnerships can create new revenue streams, either directly through commissions or by retaining more clients long-term due to added value.

Start Helping Your Clients Save Today

Partnering with Centucom allows you to go beyond the traditional scope of accounting services and deliver true financial savings for your clients. Telecom expenses are often overlooked, but with our expertise, we can help uncover hidden opportunities to save.

Ready to get started? Let’s talk about how we can collaborate to help your clients reduce costs, boost efficiency, and improve profitability.

In the modern digital landscape, mobile devices have become integral to business operations, offering unparalleled flexibility and boosting productivity. Yet, as enterprises increasingly rely on mobile technology, they must confront the growing challenge of ensuring robust compliance and security.

The Expanding Risk Landscape of Enterprise Mobility

The proliferation of mobile endpoints, from smartphones and tablets to laptops and IoT devices, has expanded the potential attack surface for cyber threats. These devices, often used across various networks, are vulnerable to being lost, stolen, or compromised, exposing sensitive corporate data to malicious actors. Moreover, with employees accessing critical information on the go, the risk of data leakage becomes a significant concern. Regulatory requirements, including GDPR, HIPAA, and others, further complicate the landscape, making comprehensive mobile security measures essential to avoid fines and protect the organization’s reputation.

Core Components of Enterprise Mobility Security

Mobile Device Management (MDM): Centralized control of mobile devices is crucial for enforcing security policies and managing enterprise mobility. MDM solutions allow IT administrators to remotely wipe lost or stolen devices, enforce security protocols, and ensure that only authorized applications are installed, thereby reducing risks.

Mobile Application Management (MAM): 

Securing data accessed through mobile applications is another critical aspect of enterprise mobility security. MAM solutions enable IT teams to control app distribution, enforce encryption, and manage configurations, which minimizes the risk of data breaches.

Identity and Access Management (IAM):

Protecting access to enterprise resources is essential. IAM solutions, incorporating multi-factor authentication (MFA) and single sign-on (SSO), ensure that only verified users can access sensitive data, bolstering security.

Encryption and Data Loss Prevention (DLP):

Encrypting data both at rest and in transit safeguards it from unauthorized access. DLP solutions complement encryption by monitoring data use and preventing its unauthorized transmission, ensuring sensitive information remains secure.

Achieving Compliance in Enterprise Mobility

Compliance with industry regulations is a critical aspect of managing enterprise mobility. Managed mobility solutions help organizations meet these requirements through:

Comprehensive Auditing and Reporting: These solutions provide detailed reports on device and data usage, which are essential for demonstrating compliance with regulatory standards.

Policy Enforcement: Managed mobility ensures that security policies align with regulatory guidelines, including data encryption and access controls, which are vital for protecting sensitive information.

Continuous Monitoring: By proactively monitoring mobile devices and networks, organizations can detect and prevent security incidents that could lead to compliance breaches.

Crafting a Strategic Approach to Enterprise Mobility

An effective enterprise mobility strategy balances security and operational efficiency. Key elements include:

Risk Assessment: Regularly conducting risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities allows organizations to prioritize security measures according to potential impact.

Employee Training: Educating staff on security best practices and the importance of compliance is crucial in reducing human error and strengthening overall security.

Adaptive Security: Implementing security measures that can adapt to evolving threats and regulatory changes ensures that an organization remains protected in a dynamic landscape.

Managed Mobility: The Key to Secure and Compliant Enterprise Operations

While the benefits of enterprise mobility are clear, the associated security challenges require a proactive approach. By integrating managed mobility solutions—encompassing device and application management, identity and access control, encryption, and data loss prevention—organizations can mitigate risks and ensure compliance. This approach not only protects sensitive data but also fosters trust with customers and partners, crucial in today’s increasingly digital business environment.