Two in three consumers say they are more likely to buy a new phone once 5G-compatible devices become widely available, according to a new Deloitte survey.
The Deloitte Connectivity and Mobile Trends report found that 16% of current smartphone users consider 5G capability the most important factor when choosing their next phone. Display quality ranked highest at 26%, while 22% named brand as their top priority.
The survey also revealed that about one in three consumers are using phones that are more than two years old, and fewer than 60% of respondents plan to buy a new phone within the next two years.
Deloitte vice chairman Kevin Westcott commented: “As carriers roll out 5G in the United States, a significant number of consumers will adopt the service quickly if it delivers on its promise of faster speeds and broader coverage. Major networks and studios will continue to launch streaming and other data-intensive entertainment services—such as online multiplayer games, augmented reality, and virtual reality—intensifying competition to attract and retain customers.”
However, Deloitte’s Mobile Consumer Survey released last month found notable consumer caution. Only a minority are willing to pay the roughly £11 per month some operators have proposed for 5G access. Peter Corbett, Deloitte Partner and National Telecommunications lead, warned: “Consumers should prepare to be disappointed with 5G in the short term, as the network will experience growing pains until it is fully established. Full deployment will require extensive small cell rollouts and the auctioning of mmWave spectrum.”
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