Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) has published the latest findings from its ‘Sector in Focus: Connecting the UK’s mass fleets’ report, which explores the challenges mass fleet operators currently face and how connectivity solutions can help address them. The report found that 27% of fleet managers struggle to avoid connectivity dead zones. This leads to missed service level agreements (33%), and increased frustration among workers (32%). As a result, 29% of workers said they would consider alternative roles or employers if they continued to face unreliable connectivity.
According to the survey, conducted by Censuswide, 31% of decision-makers believe having the ability to access onboard devices, such as cameras or digital signage, is critical to staying competitive. Likewise, 30% state that the ability to push security policy updates remotely and secure data transfers to and from the corporate network are all requirements for a modern mass fleet operator. Unfortunately, 27% of operators struggle to find compatible routers that meet these requirements, which is why a third (33%) of workers still rely on hotspots from their mobile devices to complete tasks.
Connectivity failures are hugely disruptive for fleets, yet only 41% of operators have a failover network in place to ensure operations remain uninterrupted during outages or disruptions. Similarly, less than half (46%) have cloud backup, which puts their data at risk. At the same time, just 23% sync data when vehicles return to the depot, and 17% still rely on manual processes to do so. This means managers could be relying on data which is days or even weeks old, preventing them from taking meaningful action to improve operations today.
Fortunately, this is starting to change, with 39% of fleet operators planning to upgrade their mobile network technology to 5G and 37% installing in-vehicle connectivity to support IoT systems. Meanwhile, 37% are investing in satellite connectivity to help eliminate dead zones. These measures help improve resiliency and operational capability. For example, The AA, the UK’s No.1 roadside assistance provider, upgraded its connectivity solution, leading to a 10% increase in uptime, substantial time savings, and improved customer satisfaction.
However, despite the positive steps, perceptions around the high cost of connectivity (24%), security and compliance requirements (23%), and the complexity of software upgrades (23%) are still hindering the widespread adoption of cellular connectivity solutions, which can provide the reliability, speed, and bandwidth needed for modern fleet operations. Likewise, while it is reassuring 42% of C-Suite or strategy leaders are now involved in the decision-making for fleet connectivity, just 23% work with external consultants or managed service providers who could help organizations overcome these barriers. Similarly, enterprises should note that due to increased competition and technological advancements cellular connectivity is in fact becoming much more affordable and provides businesses with greater control over their data usage.
Fleet operators must focus on the future to stay competitive, resilient and adaptable in an evolving market. AI adoption is rising, with 40% of managers planning to implement AI analytics within their fleet operations in the near future. This can help process data from IoT devices and cameras to identify areas where cost-savings can be made. For instance, combining deliveries to avoid sending out half-empty vans, or to plan efficient routes and assignments.
As these use cases expand, ensuring secure bandwidth and low latency is critical to their effectiveness. Cloud-based tools and secure connectivity solutions are essential to sustaining performance without putting pressure on IT teams.
Paul McHugh, Head of Sales EMEA at Ericsson Enterprise Wireless Solutions, stated, “Advanced connectivity within fleets is no longer just a technological decision but critical for operational performance. As fleets continue to face pressure from mounting costs and regulatory requirements, they will need to adopt next-generation technology to remain competitive. Cellular connectivity is the necessary foundation for these new tools, which can improve customer experience and improve the overall efficiency of the entire fleet. It is also important to note rates for mobile connectivity have become highly competitive and more comprehensive data plans have helped virtual eliminate shock bill rises. These advances, combined with platforms like Ericsson’s Net Cloud manager, give businesses far greater control over data consumption and final bills, making investment in this solution much more cost effective. By taking these steps, fleet managers can be confident they will have the necessary resiliency, flexibility and future proofness to respond to almost any challenge. It will also enable them to unlock new revenue streams.”
Survey methodology The research was conducted by Opinion Matters, among a sample of 400 UK, Channel Islands & Republic of Ireland-based fleet managers. The data was collected between 29.07.2025 and 11.08.2025.
