(A) improving communication channels (B) is

Solution

(i) because: This starter creates a clear logical connection between the need for improving communication channels and its benefits. The sentence formed would be: "Improving communication channels is essential for modern businesses because it helps streamline operations and enhance collaboration." (iii) consequently: This starter also fits well, indicating the result or effect of improving communication channels. The sentence formed would be: "Improving communication channels is essential for modern businesses; consequently, it helps streamline operations and enhance collaboration." (ii) similarly: This starter is not suitable here as it implies a comparison or similarity with another concept, which doesn’t fit the context of the given statements.