The launch of 5G was meant to usher in an unheralded era in human connectivity because of the fact that this is the sort of thing that could potentially end up allowing mobile internet to reach a new zenith of high speeds. There was a massive surge in the popularity of 5G devices when they were first launched, and most major OEMs quickly started to launch 5G enable phones to capitalize on the current trends.
With all of that having been said and now out of the way, it is important to note that some are now getting concerned about a potential drop in consumer excitement regarding this product class. Most tests showed that connecting to the 5G network could provide broadband level speeds, but in spite of the fact that this is the case this coverage was found to be spotty at best.
Enormous fluctuations in 5G internet speeds have made it difficult for users to get the most of their 5G enabled devices with all things having been considered and taken into account. Countries that saw a huge uptick in 5G phone sales have seen shipments decline by as much as 7%, and that might be because spotty coverage is making 5G less useful than might have been the case otherwise.
Unless coverage is expanded dramatically to provide more stable internet connections, it is unlikely that consumers will look to it as a major factor while buying their phones. It would mostly seem like a gimmick if they are not able to get the speeds that have been advertised.
Though 5G can certainly be a huge level up from 4G, it will fail to capture the imagination of consumers who may start looking for more practical features in their phones such as robust battery life and overall durability. It will be interesting to see what sales look like over the Christmas season, since a lower than expected rate of sales could mean that OEMs would be unable to recoup their 5G investments in the near future which might force them to reassess certain things for the next fiscal year.
H/T: FT
Read next: 93 Percent of US Adults Rely on Small Businesses
With all of that having been said and now out of the way, it is important to note that some are now getting concerned about a potential drop in consumer excitement regarding this product class. Most tests showed that connecting to the 5G network could provide broadband level speeds, but in spite of the fact that this is the case this coverage was found to be spotty at best.
Enormous fluctuations in 5G internet speeds have made it difficult for users to get the most of their 5G enabled devices with all things having been considered and taken into account. Countries that saw a huge uptick in 5G phone sales have seen shipments decline by as much as 7%, and that might be because spotty coverage is making 5G less useful than might have been the case otherwise.
Unless coverage is expanded dramatically to provide more stable internet connections, it is unlikely that consumers will look to it as a major factor while buying their phones. It would mostly seem like a gimmick if they are not able to get the speeds that have been advertised.
Though 5G can certainly be a huge level up from 4G, it will fail to capture the imagination of consumers who may start looking for more practical features in their phones such as robust battery life and overall durability. It will be interesting to see what sales look like over the Christmas season, since a lower than expected rate of sales could mean that OEMs would be unable to recoup their 5G investments in the near future which might force them to reassess certain things for the next fiscal year.
H/T: FT
Read next: 93 Percent of US Adults Rely on Small Businesses
