Drivers to the Adoption of 5th Generation Wireless Networks in the South African Construction Industry

The construction industry in South Africa remains one of the slowest sectors to embrace digital transformation, yet the advent of Generation (5G) wireless networks presents significant opportunities for enhancing productivity, safety, and operational efficiency. This study investigates the key drivers influencing the adoption of 5G technology in the South African construction industry. A quantitative research design was employed, using structured questionnaires distributed to construction professionals including architects, engineers, quantity surveyors, project managers, and ICT specialists. Descriptive analysis and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) were conducted to identify and group significant drivers. Findings revealed that site monitoring technologies, tracking and surveillance capabilities, and uninterrupted construction productivity are the most influential drivers of 5G adoption. EFA further grouped the drivers into two key clusters: (Ali et al in Int Bus Rev 30, 2021) Uninterrupted Transmission, Processing, and Standardised Productivity, and (Alsaeedy and Chong in Mob Netw Appl 25:2063–2081, 2020) Maintenance Monitoring and Tracking Systems. The study concludes that 5G adoption is crucial for advancing Construction 4.0 in South Africa, enabling real-time data exchange, enhanced collaboration, and autonomous operations. Recommendations include investment in infrastructure, upskilling of professionals, and implementation of pilot projects. This research provides a foundation for strategic planning and policy development toward 5G integration in construction practices.