5G smartphones: availability runs ahead of adoption

Recent quarters show an upward trend in terms of 5G device availability, network rollouts and service launches. 5G networks are already available in nearly 70 markets around the world. By the end of Q2 2021, two markets will have 5G adoption above 20% – South Korea and China. However, adoption elsewhere, including markets with much higher levels of disposable income, is significantly lower. In fact, no market outside East Asia has yet reached 10% 5G adoption. As smartphone manufacturers intensify their 5G efforts in a fiercely competitive environment and lower device price points come to market, can subscribers be encouraged along the 5G upgrade path?