Four million Canadian smartphone users plan to upgrade to 5G services over the next 12-15 months according to a consumer survey entitled 5G: The Next Wave released by Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC) on Monday.
The survey was conducted by Ericsson ConsumerLab, and determined that 17 per cent of 4G users intent o upgrade in the next 12-15 months. Also, eight in 10 current 5G users don’t want to return to 4G. The survey indicated that more consumer education is required as 15 per cent of users are on 5G but use equipment slated for 4G. The survey also indicated that 18 per cent own a 5G capable device, but haven’t upgraded.
“Six in 10 Canadian survey respondents said they want 5G plans to offer more than just gigabytes. Consumers are looking for more tailored network capabilities like application enhanced connectivity rather than best effort 5G, which has itself improved measurably this year with rollout of Mid-Band spectrum,” said Yasir Hussain, vice president and chief technology officer for Ericcson Canada.
Ericson ConsumerLab focused the study’s research and consumers’ self-reported experiences with 5G in their markets when compared to network coverage reported by service providers. The study demonstrated that even though coverage has only reached the 75 per cent plateau, only 33 per cent of Canadian users see themselves as connected over 50 per cent of the time.
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5G users want more than just phone options: survey
The survey also addressed the effects 5G has on early adopter consumers while pinpointing factors driving growth. For example, twice as many 5G users in Canada are using more than three services everyday, including metaverse-related applications. The time spent on these applications has doubled to two hours a week or more, compared to 4G users.
The Canadian sample includes views of 1,200 consumers in Canada interviewed online between April and July 2022. It is statistically representative of the views of 24 million consumers. The full survey scope is also representative of the opinions of approximately 1.7 billion consumers, including 430 million 5G subscribers.
“These mainstream tech adopters are more value-conscious and have higher expectations than early adopters driven by new technology. The Canadian results and global trends identified by this report suggest we’re on our way towards the next wave of 5G,” said Jasmeet Singh Sethi, head of Ericsson ConsumerLab.
Canadians have had access to 5G network service since 2020 with a substantial increase over the past two years.
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