Analysing the behaviour of early 5G users: 10 things to know when planning consumer 5G strategies
5G
This report is available to those subscribed to the Digital Consumer module.
The launch of 5G networks by operators continues at a sound pace globally, but what do consumers think about 5G? Through a detailed consumer survey, we looked at the behaviour of early 5G users across major countries to understand key 5G trends and the differences between 4G and 5G users. We answer 10 important questions on 5G, shining a light on crucial factors that operators should consider when planning their consumer 5G strategies.
Our consumer survey (conducted in November 2021) covers 10 of the world’s largest telecoms markets, accounting for more than 90% of global 5G connections as of December 2021. Commercial 5G services have been launched in all 10 countries but India. The survey covered 10,000 respondents (1,000 in each market).
The accompanying dashboard provides all the relevant data related to 5G consumer behaviour in a consistent and structured way – a valuable asset for companies looking to formulate or adjust their commercial 5G strategies and plans as 5G adoption scales.
Related research
5G in Context, Q3 2025
This quarterly review of global 5G developments provides a concise, tracker-style deliverable, presenting key metrics and forecasts in an easy-to-access and engaging way. GSMA Intelligence has aggregated the latest data on 5G connections and adoption, as well as information on network trials/launches and spectrum assignments.
5G in Africa 2025: market status, trends and outlook
5G momentum continues to build in Africa. As of September 2025, 53 operators in 29 markets across the region had launched commercial 5G mobile services, while 25 African operators have launched 5G fixed wireless access commercial services. To capitalise on the promise of 5G, operators require enabling policy environments. This report highlights key policy imperatives to drive the development of 5G in Africa.
5G in Context, Q2 2025
This quarterly review of global 5G developments provides a concise, tracker-style deliverable, presenting key metrics and forecasts in an easy-to-access and engaging way. GSMA Intelligence has aggregated the latest data on 5G connections and adoption, as well as information on network trials/launches and spectrum assignments.
Authors
How to access this report
Annual subscription: Subscribe to our research modules for comprehensive access to more than 200 reports per year.
Enquire about subscriptionContact our research team
Get in touch with us to find out more about our research topics and analysis.
Contact our research teamMedia
To cite our research, please see our citation policy in our Terms of Use, or contact our Media team for more information.
Learn moreRelated research
5G in Context, Q3 2025
This quarterly review of global 5G developments provides a concise, tracker-style deliverable, presenting key metrics and forecasts in an easy-to-access and engaging way. GSMA Intelligence has aggregated the latest data on 5G connections and adoption, as well as information on network trials/launches and spectrum assignments.
5G in Africa 2025: market status, trends and outlook
5G momentum continues to build in Africa. As of September 2025, 53 operators in 29 markets across the region had launched commercial 5G mobile services, while 25 African operators have launched 5G fixed wireless access commercial services. To capitalise on the promise of 5G, operators require enabling policy environments. This report highlights key policy imperatives to drive the development of 5G in Africa.
5G in Context, Q2 2025
This quarterly review of global 5G developments provides a concise, tracker-style deliverable, presenting key metrics and forecasts in an easy-to-access and engaging way. GSMA Intelligence has aggregated the latest data on 5G connections and adoption, as well as information on network trials/launches and spectrum assignments.
- 200 reports a year
- 50 million data points
- Over 350 metrics