- In Canada, 4 million smartphone users plan to upgrade to 5G
over the next 12-15 months; 8 in 10 current 5G users don't want to
return to 4G
- 5G user base has seen a sixfold increase over the past two
years, however, consumer awareness is low; 15 per cent of users
claim they are on 5G but use a 4G handset in Canada while another 18 per cent own a 5G
capable device but have not upgraded to a 5G subscription
- While Canada has 5G population coverage of 75 per cent, only 33
per cent of 5G users typically perceive being connected to 5G more
than 50 per cent of the time
TORONTO, Nov. 21,
2022 /CNW/ -- In the largest global 5G-related
consumer survey in the industry to date, Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC)
shows that Canadian consumers are ready to bring 5G into the
mainstream as four million smartphone users plan to upgrade to 5G
services over the next 12-15 months.
Smartphone users in Canada have
had 5G network service available since 2020 and the 5G user base
has seen a sixfold increase over the past two years. Conducted by
Ericsson ConsumerLab, 5G: The Next Wave found 17 per cent of
4G users intending to upgrade to a 5G subscription in the next
12-15 months. Additionally, eight in 10 current 5G users in
Canada don't want to return to 4G.
However, consumer knowledge around 5G and its benefits needs more
work, as 15 per cent of users claim they are on 5G but use a 4G
handset while another 18 per cent own a 5G capable device but have
not upgraded to a 5G subscription.
Jasmeet Singh Sethi, Head of
Ericsson ConsumerLab, says: "We've seen globally that the 5G user
base starts to shift towards more demanding mainstream users when
more than 15 per cent of smartphone users in the market have made
the switch to 5G. These mainstream tech adopters are more
value-conscious and have higher expectations than early adopters
driven by new technology. The Canadian results and global trends
identified by this report suggest we're on our way towards the next
wave of 5G. As 5G becomes the mainstream, service providers need to
get ready for more customers looking to get even more out of their
5G experience."
Ericsson ConsumerLab centered the study's research around
consumers' self-reported, actual experience of 5G in their markets
in addition, and comparison, to network coverage reported by
service providers. The study showed that in Canada while 5G population coverage has
reached 75 per cent. Yet, only 33 per cent of Canadian 5G users
perceive being connected more than 50 per cent of the time.
It addresses the impact 5G has had on early adopter consumers,
while also highlighting factors driving growth and demand: twice as
many 5G users in Canada are now
engaging in more than three digital services daily, and the time
they're spending on metaverse-related (AR/VR) apps and activities
has doubled to two hours a week or more, compared to 4G
users.
Yasir Hussain, Vice President and
Chief Technology Officer, Ericsson
Canada, says: "Six in 10 Canadian survey respondents said
they want 5G plans to offer more than just gigabytes. Consumers are
looking for more tailored network capabilities like application
enhanced connectivity rather than best effort 5G, which has itself
improved measurably this year with rollout of Mid-Band spectrum.
This demonstrates the new business model opportunities the next
wave of 5G presents for service providers by bundling digital
services and focusing on quality of service for demanding
applications like gaming and extended reality (XR)."
This study is the largest global 5G-related consumer survey in
the industry to date, and the largest consumer survey conducted by
Ericsson on any topic. The Canadian sample includes views from
1,200 consumers in Canada
interviewed online between April and July
2022 and is statistically representative of the views of 24
million consumers. The full survey scope is representative of the
opinions of about 1.7 billion consumers worldwide, including 430
million 5G subscribers.
Read the full report on Ericsson.com.
Related links:
Ericsson 5G: The Next Wave report
Ericsson 5G: Six key consumer trends driving 5G adoption in
Canada
Ericsson ConsumerLab: The Voice of the Consumer
Ericsson Industry Lab: the voice of business, industry and
society
Ericsson 5G
Ericsson Round Table Discussion: How can 5G extended reality (XR)
change the entertainment industry
Ericsson Blog: 12 metaverse use cases in coming years -
Ericsson
ABOUT ERICSSON:
Ericsson enables communications service providers and enterprises
to capture the full value of connectivity. The company's portfolio
spans the following business areas: Networks, Cloud Software and
Services, Enterprise Wireless Solutions, Global Communications
Platform, and Technologies and New Businesses. It is designed to
help our customers go digital, increase efficiency and find new
revenue streams. Ericsson's innovation investments have delivered
the benefits of mobility and mobile broadband to billions of people
globally. Ericsson stock is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm and on
Nasdaq New York. www.ericsson.com
FOLLOW US:
Subscribe to Ericsson press releases here
Subscribe to Ericsson blog posts here
https://twitter.com/ericsson
https://www.facebook.com/ericsson
https://www.linkedin.com/company/ericsson
MORE INFORMATION AT:
Ericsson Newsroom
MEDIA CONTACT:
Nathan Gibson
nathan.gibson@ericsson.com
647-554-1423
SOURCE Ericsson Canada