A large percentage of Americans are happy that 4G wireless networks are being supplanted by faster 5G ones, according to a recent survey by a respected market-research firm. And a majority of US consumers are very interested in getting a phone that supports these speedier networks.
Americans are eager for 5G
81% of respondents to a survey done by Counterpoint Research find 5G “very appealing” or “appealing” when compared to current 4G service. And over 59% of respondents were “extremely interested” or “very interested” in purchasing a 5G phone.
“Consumers have a very positive opinion about 5G despite not having a clear understanding of its capabilities,” said Tom Kang, an analyst at Counterpoint. “The study revealed there is tremendous interest in 5G and that over 30% of consumers are willing to buy a 5G device even if 5G is not yet available where they live.”
A 5G wake-up call for Apple
Americans are even ready to pay extra for a 5G-enabled handset; 95% of survey respondents accepted that. But when asked how much more, there’s a cutoff point.
“There appears to be a price ceiling at US$1,000 for most consumers. This is an important data point for handset OEMs,” noted Jeff Fieldhack from Counterpoint.
Apple’s top-of-the-line iPhone XS Max already starts at $1099. This research clearly indicates that the company shouldn’t plan to launch the iPhone 5G next year at $1199.
But it’s not just Apple that needs to take heed. Samsung’s special Galaxy S10 5G goes for $1299.99.
5G: Better, stronger, faster
There have been many predictions about how 5G will change the world, but Counterpoint’s research shows that Americans are mostly just expecting a better version of 4G: faster download speeds and improved network experience using already-available applications.
Photo: Counterpoint Research
Still, almost 30% of respondents are looking forward to the “new and innovative products and services” that upcoming high speed, low-latency networks promise.
Source: Counterpoint Research
