Cradlepoint’s recent survey has revealed that despite 62% of Singaporean companies utilizing cellular connectivity, 57% of these organizations have experienced a weekly downtime of 1-2 hours due to fixed-line or fiber network failures.
Additionally, a quarter of these organizations experienced a downtime of 3-4 hours per week over the past year, which suggests that cellular connectivity is not being used in the whole organization.
According to The State of Connectivity in Singapore 2024 survey, 50% of the surveyed organizations are already utilizing network edge solutions for in-vehicle connectivity, and 47% intend to expand this capacity within the next 12-24 months.
Concerns Beyond Connectivity
Network security remains a significant concern, with more than two-thirds of Singaporean firms encountering cyberattacks over the past year. Almost 25% of those targeted by a network security attack suffered severe security breaches that led to the loss of data, and 14% faced substantial fines. As a result, 82% of the surveyed organizations have taken proactive measures to prevent security risks by uninstalling or blocking risky applications such as Zoom and WhatsApp from their work devices.
Furthermore, the survey also highlighted the increasing importance of sustainability in Singaporean businesses with 60% of organizations incorporating it into their short and long-term objectives. The same percentage of organizations agreed that improving sustainability initiatives could help business revenue.
59% of firms promoted the use of smarter facilities, which involves the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) and connected devices to improve operational efficiency and promote sustainability. Consequently, about 25% of the organizations surveyed plan to invest in cellular networks, 36% in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), and over a quarter in equipment sensors within the next 12 months. These investments aim to minimize waste and enhance operational efficiency within their facilities.
Nathan McGregor, Senior Vice President APAC, Cradlepoint, noted Singapore’s advancement in deploying cutting-edge technologies, emphasizing the country’s widespread adoption of IoT and AI.
“Singapore has long been using connected robotics and other sensor-dependent technologies to support the country’s goals—whether it was social distancing during the pandemic or, now, waste reduction to meet Singapore’s national Green Plan,” said McGregor.
The survey also revealed that while 94% of organizations are contemplating 5G-driven innovation, there are lingering concerns hindering investment. Over 35% of respondents cited a perceived lack of required skills as a barrier to investing in 5G technology, coupled with reservations regarding security, expenses, and the potential return on investment (ROI).
“Organizations that measure cost to business not just on initial investment but also on uptime, response time, customer satisfaction, reach and diverse solution offerings will quickly realize how 5G business value impacts their bottom line,” McGregor said.
Cradlepoint's study, conducted by Censuswide, involved gathering insights from over 500 respondents, including business owners, C-level executives, and senior managers across Singapore, shedding light on the connectivity landscape in the country.
