30 PERCENT OF SMARTPHONE USER LIKELY TO JOIN 5G BY 2023 – ERICSSON CONSUMER LAB REPORT

Technology company, Ericsson, has reported findings from a survey they conducted on the growing adoption of 5G in various countries. Their report says no less than 30 percent of smartphone users might sign on to 5G by 2023.

The aim of the research was to monitor the influence of 5G on current users and the likelihood of non subscribers to sign on. They state that this research  is, by far, the largest 5G-related research in the industry and the largest on any subject covered by Ericsson. A sample of over 49,000 smartphone users from 37 countries were interviewed. The views brought forward was representative of similar thoughts shared by 1.7 billion users,  with 430 million signing on to 5G.

Moreover, Ericsson says they have been monitoring 5G launches in different markets since 2019 and has made six significant observations centered around 5G adoption in the years to come.

First, no less than 510 are likely to sign one to 5G. Second, based on the earlier projection, there would be an increase in demand for 5G, which means and increase in key aspects of 5G to including network coverage. Also, consumer satisfaction will be based on perceived availability instead of population coverage. Again, the use of Augmented reality applications is likely to increase with 5G users. User might also look beyond getting more data volumes and think more about monetization. 

Finally, 5G is likely to set in motion the adoption of the metaverse 

“The scale of the research gives us an authentic insight into consumers’ views and attitudes to 5G. The report shows that the next wave of potential 5G users have different expectations from the technology compared to early adopters. Overall, consumers see engaging with 5G as an essential part of their future lifestyles,” says Head of Ericsson ConsumerLab, Jasmeet Singh Sethi.

He adds: “It is interesting to note that 5G is emerging as an important enabler for early adopters to embrace metaverse-related services, such as socializing, playing and buying digital items in interactive 3D virtual gaming platforms. The amount of time spent on augmented reality apps by 5G users has also doubled over the past two years.”