STOCKHOLM — The availability of 5G networks is already beginning to change the behaviour of smartphone users around the world, with many reducing use of Wi-Fi on their phones indoors after upgrading to 5G and spending more time cloud gaming and using augmented reality apps, according to a new report by Ericsson ConsumerLab.
The report, Five Ways to a Better 5G, is the result of the largest global 5G consumer study to date, and covers consumer sentiment and perception toward 5G in 26 markets, including the U.S., China, South Korea and the U.K. (Canada was not included in the report.) Ericsson says the methodology of its ConsumerLab study is representative of 1.3 billion smartphone users globally, including 220 million 5G subscribers.
According to the report, one in five 5G users have decreased usage of Wi-Fi on their phones at home and other indoor locations because of the benefits of 5G mobile connectivity. In addition, early adopter 5G users spend an average of two hours more on cloud gaming and one hour more on AR apps per week compared to 4G users, says the report.
“However, while 5G users are satisfied with speed, about 70% are dissatisfied with the availability of innovative services and new apps. Consumers say they are willing to pay 20 to 30% more for 5G plans bundled with digital service use cases,” says Ericsson’s press release today announcing availability of the report.
“Covid-19 lockdowns and movement restrictions mean that the vast majority of 5G early adopters’ regular experiences with the technology have been indoors. As a result, early adopters indicate that indoor coverage is two times more important than speed or battery life in delivering satisfactory 5G experiences,” says the press release.
In the report, Ericsson ConsumerLab outlines five ways for communications service providers to meet consumer expectations both in the immediate and longer terms, including:
- addressing the knowledge gap by educating and better marketing the value of 5G to consumers
- ensuring consistent quality of indoor and outdoor 5G coverage
- adapting to network requirements for new 5G services
- focusing on consumer intent to envision new 5G use cases
- accelerating availability of existing and new use cases through ecosystem partnerships
For more, including a link to download the report, please click here.
Image courtesy of Ericsson.
