We have such high expectations on how 5G will change our lives. This fire is being stoked by marketing and advertising from so many companies in the wireless space. Let’s dive into the world of 5G and take a closer look at where we are today, what we can expect going forward and when, writes JEFF KAGAN.
So, let me ask you this important question: has 5G changed your life yet?
First, I do believe 5G will change our lives, just not as quickly as we have been led to believe. Every wireless competitor is in a battle for market share. They all seek recognition and want to be considered a leader. This has created a very high noise level that keeps investors, customers, workers and even executives confused.
Why 5G wireless doesn’t live up to user expectations today, yet
I asked a question at a meeting of wireless industry marketing professionals. Does 5G live up to user expectations created by the all the wireless marketing and advertising from all the competitors in the industry? Another question was, when will this marketing magic that has us in its spell finally become reality?
Marketing people don’t see the world from the same prism as the rest of us. They always think about being on top and always think about what’s coming tomorrow. That’s why even though schools just let out for summer, Target, Walmart and all the retailers are already starting their back-to-school promotions.
However, these are important questions for every wireless user, whether that be a consumer or business customer, plus every employee, executive and investor.
Wireless analyst has watched the industry change over 35 years
As a wireless analyst over the last 35 years, I have watched the wireless industry transform time and time again. It has grown from analog to digital, from 2G to 3G to 4G and now to 5G.
Each level has sped up and changed the wireless industry. This is happening once again with 5G.
However, 5G will impact more than just wireless. It will transform the way we do everything, with every company in every industry.
It has been an exciting journey so far, but 5G represents a much larger growth opportunity for all players.
5G creating new age of health tech, connected cars and so much more
Remember, there are two parts to the 5G puzzle.
· One, speeds will be faster, and latency will be more immediate.
· Two, it will usher in many new technologies like health tech, telehealth, connected cars, self-driving vehicles and so much more from other industries.
The first part will be with us much sooner, but that’s only speed.
The second part will change our lives but that means transforming other industries. This is a process which has already begun in recent years. It will take more time to develop and ultimately transform every product, every service in every industry.
The 5G wireless disconnect: What’s real today vs. what’s still coming
While this is an enormous growth opportunity for companies in the wireless industry, the problem is we expect this change now because we have fallen under the spell of wireless marketing.
This is the disconnect. And users don’t like the disconnect when they finally get tuned in.
User expectations with 5G are out of sync with reality today because of all the marketing and advertising from wireless players.
Users are expecting their wireless experience go through a mysterious 5G transformation immediately.
While this will happen, it will take time to unfold over years. It always has.
Overwhelming 5G marketing confuses user expectations
5G is real and what you see and hear will become part of our lives going forward. It will just take time and investment.
We need three things to get benefits of 5G.
· One, we need to be in the 5G part of a network.
· Two, we need to have a new 5G device.
· Three, we need newer technology from other industries.
5G is not only faster network speeds, but immediacy. That will allow the digital transformation of other industries like healthcare, automotive, and much more to become a reality.
That is the part of 5G that will change the world in industry after industry. But that’s also the part that will take time.
We are installing 5G, but that is just laying the groundwork for the building we will construct going forward.
Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile US, AT&T Mobility 5G growth opportunities
This is a huge growth opportunity for every wireless company in the 5G space.
· That means carriers like Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile US, AT&T Mobility in the United States and countless wireless carriers worldwide.
· It also means smartphone makers like Apple, Google, Samsung, and more, worldwide.
· It also means companies who build the 5G networks like Qualcomm, Ericsson, Nokia, Huawei, Intel and others worldwide.
These are powerful, real and enormous, long-term growth opportunities, but they will also take time. The disconnect is between what we know is coming and when it will ultimately arrive.
