India's 5G revolution: Ericsson survey predicts rapid 5G adoption in India
According to the findings, approximately 31 million users are projected to upgrade to 5G phones in 2023. This presents a substantial opportunity for further 5G expansion across the country, signifying an acceleration of 5G adoption on the horizon.
Highlights
- Ericsson launches the ConsumerLab Study on the first five years of 5G in the world
- In 2023, an estimated 31 million users in India plan to make the switch to 5G smartphones
- 5G in India has improved network satisfaction by an impressive 30% over 4G
On 3 October 2023 Ericsson, a multinational networking and telecommunications company, published a report titled '5G Value: Converting Performance into Customer Loyalty.' This report, conducted by Ericsson ConsumerLab, delves into the factors that influence satisfaction and user loyalty within 5G networks.
This groundbreaking study conducted by Ericsson ConsumerLab sheds light on what drives 5G network satisfaction and user retention, opening up new possibilities for innovation and growth in the Indian market.
Accelerated 5G adoption: A boon for India
The report paints an optimistic picture of India's 5G future. According to the findings, approximately 31 million users are projected to upgrade to 5G phones in 2023. This presents a substantial opportunity for further 5G expansion across the country, signifying an acceleration of 5G adoption on the horizon.
India's unique 5G experience with emerging tech
India stands out in the global 5G landscape for its distinctive user behaviour. 5G users in India are engaging daily with applications such as streaming HD video, video calling services, mobile gaming, AI technology, and augmented reality.
On average, they spend two hours more per week on these services compared to early adopter 5G markets like the US, the United Kingdom, South Korea, and China.
India's 5G satisfaction levels and perceived availability rival or surpass those in these early adopter markets, with a remarkable 13 percent higher share of very satisfied 5G users compared to the global average. The transition from 4G to 5G has shown a significant 30 percent increase in overall satisfaction, primarily driven by higher download speeds.
The crucial role of network performance
One key revelation from the survey is the significant impact of 5G performance at important locations on user satisfaction and switching decisions. Users experiencing connectivity issues at events are three times more likely to consider changing service providers in the next six months.
Conversely, a positive 5G experience in key locations, such as during transit or at home, can quadruple user satisfaction.
Demand for Quality of Service (QoS) & premium offerings
Around 39 percent of polled 5G consumers in India believe that increased data allowances in their 5G plans justify premium charges from service providers.
Notably, 24 percent of 5G users express a preference for differentiated Quality of Service (QoS) over generic, best-effort 5G performance. These users actively seek elevated and consistent network performance tailored for demanding applications and specific key locations, showing a willingness to pay an average premium of 14 percent for 5G-rich app-bundled plans or QoS-led offerings.
Exploring 5G use cases
The survey also identifies specific 5G use cases that resonate with Indian consumers, and they are willing to pay a premium for these services. These include the 3D/AR Books Digital Library, the 5G Creator Package, 5G Optimised Mobile Gaming, Immersive Replays, and Enhanced Event Experiences, illustrating the diverse opportunities for innovation in India's 5G landscape.
With network satisfaction on the rise and a growing appetite for advanced 5G applications, India is positioned to lead the way in 5G adoption and usage. Ericsson's advanced portfolio and energy-efficient solutions are set to propel this growth, enabling India to meet the evolving capacity and performance requirements of its networks.
