Title: 5G Disappoints Consumers: Unfulfilled Promises and Lack of Compelling Use Cases
In its first year of commercial availability, 5G technology in India has failed to live up to its promises, leaving many consumers disappointed. Despite the impressive adoption and expansion numbers, with projections of 80 million active 5G subscribers and two out of every three smartphones being 5G-enabled by the end of 2023, the actual user experience has fallen short.
Consumers had high expectations for 5G, anticipating a transformational and revolutionary impact on their lives. However, the reality has been quite different. Instead of improved data services and reliability, users have experienced deteriorating mobile services and no significant positive change. This sentiment is shared among consumers, who feel let down and have not witnessed the substantial difference promised by 5G compared to mature 4G services.
One of the major issues faced by consumers is the lack of ubiquitous 5G coverage. Different operators offer varying levels of service quality in different locations, making it difficult for consumers to enjoy a seamless 5G experience. Even with subscriptions to multiple operators, the difference from 4G services is not substantial enough to justify the hype around 5G.
Furthermore, there is a dearth of compelling use cases for consumers to leverage the full potential of 5G. Despite efforts to fix network issues, there have been no significant applications or enhancements that fully utilize the speed and capabilities of the latest generation of cellular networks. This lack of innovative use cases further contributes to the disappointment felt by consumers.
As a result, the excessive marketing and over-promising of 5G have led to unmet expectations among consumers. Instead of viewing 5G as a journey with incremental improvements and innovations, there was a misguided perception that it would be an immediate game-changer. To truly deliver value to consumers, operators need to go beyond just offering bandwidth and speed, as these advancements have already been realized through 4G.
Moving forward, it is crucial for the government and regulators to assess the utilization and potential of 5G. All stakeholders must work together to strengthen the networks, ensure reliable service delivery, and promote the development of innovative use cases. This will not only maximize the revenue generation potential of the allocated spectrum but also create a thriving ecosystem that fosters growth and secures the future of the telecom sector.
In the second year of 5G in India, consumers expect at least one compelling use case that justifies the use of 5G, even if it means paying a bit more. The focus should shift towards delivering real value and enhancing the overall digital experience for consumers. The government can also consider implementing application or use-case-linked incentives for the telecom industry to encourage the development of innovative solutions.
It is essential for all stakeholders to collaborate and unleash the true potential of 5G in India, aligning it with the country’s reputation as a leading digital player. By addressing the current gaps and meeting the expectations of consumers, India can accelerate its journey towards becoming a developed nation and reaping the full benefits of advanced telecommunications technology.
(Views expressed are personal)
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