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<\/a><\/p>\nEricsson\u2019s State of Enterprise Connectivity report for Canada indicates a need for investment in advanced network infrastructure to help drive efficiency and innovation for Canadian businesses. (Photo courtesy of Ericsson)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
While connectivity is vital to increase innovation and to enable Canadian businesses to be competitive, challenges such as cost are hindering its progression in the country. That was one of the findings explored by communications technology provider Ericsson in its recent State of Enterprise Connectivity report for Canada. The report underscores the need for business investment in advanced network infrastructure to help drive efficiency and to position Canada as a world-class leader in innovation.<\/p>\n
According to those surveyed, organizations in Canada are facing an unpredictable business environment. Investing in technology such as AI and IoT can help them navigate this with improved productivity and processes. However, strong, reliable connectivity is needed to support these efforts.<\/p>\n
As in previous years, the 2025 research conducted by Censuswide indicates unreliable connectivity is a main area of concern for respondents, with downtime directly affecting their business. As some Canadian businesses have recently experienced, unforeseen challenges including weather-related issues, carrier\/service provider issues and networking configuration errors can cause network downtime. For organizations that rely on technology for their day-to-day business, outages can be costly and debilitating.<\/p>\n
The survey found the main impacts of unreliable connectivity over the prior year included higher operational costs (46 per cent), operational inefficiencies (45 per cent) and an increase in waste (31 per cent). In the architecture, engineering and building sectors, the top impacts cited were operational inefficiencies (52 per cent), higher operational costs (48 per cent) and loss of earnings (38 per cent).<\/p>\n
Reliable, affordable connectivity needed<\/strong><\/h5>\nThe annual survey of over 500 respondents across various industries in Canada found that 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. Additionally, the survey found 5G connectivity will play an important role in advancing the competitiveness of Canadian businesses, with 44 per cent saying it will be a key enabler for the development of IoT, AI and other technological applications.<\/p>\n
According to the report, key investment areas that should be made for private and public Canadian organizations to address the advancement of connectivity include improved reliability of communication networks, faster roll-out of 5G and advanced wireless networks to rural areas, and stronger security.<\/p>\n
Unlocking the true power of AI<\/strong><\/h5>\nMany Canadian companies are already leveraging 5G to maximize their business for production efficiency, enhanced scalability and reliability and resilience.<\/p>\n
Respondents indicated they also believe that 5G connectivity and next-generation technologies, such as AI, have a symbiotic relationship. For example, nearly 85 per cent of respondents said AI helps improve their network performance by automating analysis and reducing the manual workload on their IT team. Almost nine of 10 also agree that 5G is critical to optimizing the use of AI within the workplace.<\/p>\n
Another area of growth is the implementation of IoT devices, which can help increase productivity, reduce worker burnout and improve safety. Looking ahead over the next 12 months, the top connected IoT devices planned for implementation by Canadian businesses include those used for predictive maintenance, as sensors, for digital signage and cameras.<\/p>\n
In the architecture, engineering and building sectors, predictive maintenance, sensors and cameras topped the list of IoT device implementation plans.<\/p>\n
Improving productivity through innovation<\/strong><\/h5>\nThere are, however, factors businesses believe are hindering the progression of connectivity in Canada, with nearly half citing the cost of services from network-operating telecoms\/providers as the biggest issue. Forty-three per cent of those surveyed said complex and lengthy permitting processes for deploying connectivity infrastructure are also affecting progression, while 38 per cent said strict data protection rules across Canada, such as Law 25 in Quebec and Ontario\u2019s Bill 194, are also a hindrance.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 2025 State of Enterprise Connectivity report for Canada highlights the need for investment in infrastructure, and the importance of 5G in particular, to increase innovation and enhance productivity across the country,\u201d stated Jason Falovo, vice-president and general manager for Canada at Ericsson Enterprise Wireless Solutions. \u201cCanadian businesses cited improved reliability of communication networks as the top area of investment required to advance connectivity \u2014 a 21 per cent increase compared to last year\u2019s report. As organizations look to take advantage of IoT and AI applications to improve efficiencies during these unpredictable times, they must find the right solutions, and knowledgeable technology partners, to help plan for the future.\u201d<\/p>\n
www.ericsson.com<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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