While at least some consumers are already experiencing faster network speeds thanks to the ongoing 5G network rollouts, businesses are also beginning to explore how the technology might support the delivery of new and better services to customers.

Beyond giving smartphones a speed boost for faster video streaming, tech analysts argue that over the next few years 5G will help to unlock the potential of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, edge computing and the Internet of Things (IoT).

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Michael Cole, chief technology officer of the European Tour and Ryder Cup, wants to create a technology-enabled golf course, where a combination of data, sensors and mobility keeps players, spectators and broadcasters connected and informed, with 5G networks an important element of that vision.

"My ultimate aspiration is to create a connected course -and that's all about how we can converge the many disparate infrastructures into a common backbone on the golf course," he says.

At the recent Open de Espa?a in Madrid, Cole's IT organisation worked with telecommunications giant Telef