Five years of 5G for consumers: how user behaviour and experience are changing

It is five years since the first commercial 5G networks were launched in South Korea and the US. Consumer adoption of 5G is happening at a faster rate than with any previous mobile network generation. This analysis, based on the GSMA Intelligence Consumers in Focus Survey in December 2023, explains how 5G consumer behaviour is changing. The survey covered eight of the world's largest mobile markets, accounting for 77% of global 5G connections.

The report explores key consumer topics: 5G upgrade intent, barriers to 5G adoption, the 5G consumer experience, 5G ARPU uplift, consumer interest in 5G use cases (including 5G new calling), consumer interest in 5G bundling, 5G user engagement with digital activities (e.g. digital entertainment), ownership of connected devices among 5G users, 5G mobile data usage, 5G as a smartphone purchase driver, and 5G churn.

Several operator case studies from around the world are also provided. These are focused on the impact of 5G on mobile ARPU.