5G Infrastructure Expansion in Retail and Food Service: Strategic IoT Partnerships as a Catalyst for Long-Term Value Creation

The convergence of 5G and IoT technologies is reshaping the retail and food service sectors, unlocking unprecedented operational efficiencies and customer-centric innovations. For tech enablers like TransAct Technologies, strategic IoT partnerships are not just a competitive advantage—they are a blueprint for long-term value creation in an increasingly connected world.

The 5G-IoT Synergy: A New Era for Retail and Food Service

According to a report by Grand View Research, the global IoT in retail market was valued at USD 66.44 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 24.5%, reaching USD 488.53 billion by 2033Internet Of Things In Retail Market Size & Share Report^[2]. This surge is driven by the integration of 5G networks, which enable faster data transmission, lower latency, and seamless connectivity for IoT devices. For instance, Walmart has leveraged IoT sensors to remotely control HVAC systems in stores, reducing energy consumption and utility costs without compromising customer experienceIoT in Retail: Top 5 Use Cases and Real-Life Examples^[3]. Similarly, smart shelves and RFID tags are enabling real-time inventory tracking, predictive demand forecasting, and automated reordering, minimizing stockouts and wasteInternet Of Things In Retail Market Size & Share Report^[2].

In the food service sector, IoT innovations are streamlining back-of-house operations. TransAct Technologies' BOHA!® ecosystem, for example, has been deployed across 131 hospitals to automate date code labeling, temperature monitoring, and food safety complianceTransAct Technologies Secures Contract Food Service Win with …^[1]. By reducing repetitive manual tasks, the platform allows staff to focus on customer service and food quality, directly aligning with the sector's need for operational agility.

TransAct Technologies: A Case Study in Strategic IoT Partnerships

TransAct's strategic partnerships underscore its role as a key player in 5G-driven IoT adoption. The company has secured contracts with major franchises, including a sushi chain with 2,108 locations, which deployed 596 BOHA! Terminal 2 LTE units to modernize operationsIoT in Retail: Top 5 Use Cases and Real-Life Examples^[3]. These devices, powered by 5G connectivity, enable real-time data synchronization for inventory management and service delivery. Additionally, a national convenience store chain upgraded all 1,400 of its existing BOHA! units to the Terminal 2 model, demonstrating the platform's scalability and adaptabilityIoT in Retail: Top 5 Use Cases and Real-Life Examples^[3].

TransAct's expansion into international markets further highlights its growth potential. The company has secured its fifth international market for the BOHA! Terminal 2 within a quick-service restaurant (QSR) customer, with opportunities in several other countriesPress Releases - TransAct Technologies Incorporated^[5]. This global footprint positions TransAct to capitalize on the broader 5G infrastructure boom, as telecom operators invest heavily in next-generation connectivity. By 2025, the telecommunications industry is projected to generate $1.53 trillion in revenue, with 5G adoption accelerating four times faster than 4G2025 telecom industry outlook^[4].

Long-Term Value Creation: Beyond Connectivity

For tech enablers like TransAct, the value of 5G and IoT lies in their ability to address industry-specific pain points. In healthcare foodservice, for example, the BOHA! ecosystem's integration of sensors and gateways ensures compliance with stringent food safety regulations while reducing labor costsTransAct Technologies Secures Contract Food Service Win with …^[1]. In retail, 5G-enabled IoT solutions are transforming cold chain logistics, ensuring product freshness and delivery efficiencyInternet Of Things In Retail Market Size & Share Report^[2].

Moreover, the evolution of 5G-Advanced and standalone (SA) networks is unlocking new capabilities, such as AI-native network automation and enhanced positioning services2025 telecom industry outlook^[4]. These advancements are critical for enterprise applications like industrial automation and logistics, where low-latency, high-reliability connectivity is non-negotiable. TransAct's focus on IoT partnerships aligns with this trajectory, as its solutions are designed to integrate with private 5G networks and edge computing architecturesTransAct Technologies Secures Contract Food Service Win with …^[1].

Investment Implications and Future Outlook

The financial impact of 5G and IoT adoption is already evident. A case study by Ericsson highlights how its NetCloud Service for IoT reduced operational costs and improved food safety compliance for grocery retailersTransAct Technologies Secures Contract Food Service Win with …^[1]. Similarly, TransAct's partnerships have demonstrated measurable ROI, with clients reporting reduced waste, lower labor expenses, and enhanced customer satisfactionIoT in Retail: Top 5 Use Cases and Real-Life Examples^[3].

Looking ahead, the monetization of 5G in enterprise markets will hinge on scalable, tailored solutions. As Deloitte Insights notes, telecoms must balance cost-cutting with innovation to improve returns2025 telecom industry outlook^[4]. TransAct's ability to adapt its BOHA! platform to diverse sectors—healthcare, QSR, and retail—positions it as a versatile enabler of digital transformation.

Conclusion

The integration of 5G and IoT in retail and food service is not merely a technological shift—it is a strategic imperative for enterprises seeking to thrive in a data-driven economy. For investors, companies like TransAct Technologies exemplify how strategic IoT partnerships can drive long-term value by addressing operational inefficiencies, enhancing customer experiences, and future-proofing infrastructure. As 5G-Advanced and AI-native networks mature, the winners will be those who, like TransAct, prioritize innovation, scalability, and sector-specific solutions.