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

This report is available to those subscribed to the Digital Consumer module.
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.
Related research
Nearly a fifth of 5G users are dissatisfied with their 5G experience, with speed and coverage the top two reasons
GSMA Intelligence's Chart of the Month is a visual way of telling an important story in the mobile and broader tech ecosystem. This edition highlights how speed and coverage are the top two reasons behind dissatisfaction with the 5G experience among users in 12 mobile markets.
5G and private networks for digital industries: navigating enterprise needs, investments and supplier decisions
Digital transformation of vertical sectors is accelerating, with 5G networks and connectivity an important enabler of progress. GSMA Intelligence surveyed nearly 4,200 enterprises across 21 countries and 10 vertical sectors to gain relevant insights into their digital transformation across a range of technologies. This report analyses the key findings and implications for 5G and private networks.
Reliance Jio: A 5G strategy aligned with an ambition to become one of India's preeminent digital services providers
Operator strategies continue to evolve in the digital era as the telecoms industry seeks to capture new growth opportunities in the consumer and enterprise markets. Assessing innovation and achievements is more important than ever before. GSMA Intelligence's operator case studies provide a concise and consistent way to shine a light on and analyse operators' strategies and business models, as well as how they are launching new services. This edition explores Jio Reliance's approach to capturing the consumer 5G opportunity.
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
Nearly a fifth of 5G users are dissatisfied with their 5G experience, with speed and coverage the top two reasons
GSMA Intelligence's Chart of the Month is a visual way of telling an important story in the mobile and broader tech ecosystem. This edition highlights how speed and coverage are the top two reasons behind dissatisfaction with the 5G experience among users in 12 mobile markets.
5G and private networks for digital industries: navigating enterprise needs, investments and supplier decisions
Digital transformation of vertical sectors is accelerating, with 5G networks and connectivity an important enabler of progress. GSMA Intelligence surveyed nearly 4,200 enterprises across 21 countries and 10 vertical sectors to gain relevant insights into their digital transformation across a range of technologies. This report analyses the key findings and implications for 5G and private networks.
Reliance Jio: A 5G strategy aligned with an ambition to become one of India's preeminent digital services providers
Operator strategies continue to evolve in the digital era as the telecoms industry seeks to capture new growth opportunities in the consumer and enterprise markets. Assessing innovation and achievements is more important than ever before. GSMA Intelligence's operator case studies provide a concise and consistent way to shine a light on and analyse operators' strategies and business models, as well as how they are launching new services. This edition explores Jio Reliance's approach to capturing the consumer 5G opportunity.
- 200 reports a year
- 50 million data points
- Over 350 metrics