There seems to be a new 5G announcement every week — the latest being Verizon’s first 5G commercial launch on Monday in parts of Houston, Indianapolis, L.A. and Sacramento. But roll-outs are limited in scope.
Why it matters: Despite the hype about the first 5G-capable devices hitting the market next year, it will be years before average consumers experience the new networks.
Even after 5G is more widely available, many devices will still rely on 4G for roaming outside of 5G coverage areas.
By 2023, research firm Strategy Analytics projects only 6.5% of global wireless subscriptions will be 5G, while 70% will be 4G.
The other side: Some experts predict early uses of 5G will consist of fixed wireless and industrial “internet of things” applications, rather than consumer-facing subscriptions. The key to driving consumer adoption is developing compelling uses for the networks — such as new ways to deliver content or interactive entertainment — to give consumers a reason to upgrade from 4G technologies.
The bottom line: We’ll be in a 4G world for the foreseeable future.
