The latest research report from Opensignal has revealed that smartphone user experience has improved in several 5G markets.
Smartphone users have experienced increase in their Internet download speed between the first quarter of 2019 — before 5G — and the last quarter of 2021 in 95 of 100 global markets.
The report did not reveal the potential growth in mobile ARPU of leading telecom operators after the launch of 5G services.
South Korea tops global Games Experience, up from 10th place at the start of 2020. Markets where 5G arrived later (e.g. Malaysia, New Zealand, Czech Republic) or where new wireless spectrum capacity for exclusive 5G usage is in short supply (e.g. Singapore) have dropped the download speed rankings. While those with ample new 5G spectrum have risen, notably Finland, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, the UK, and the UAE.
In South Korea average download speeds were 129.7 Mbps at the end of 2021, up from 52.4 Mbps at the start of 2019, before 5G. Similarly, users’ mobile Internet speeds more than doubled in Germany rising from 22.6 to 48.7 Mbps, in the Philippines (from 7 to 15.1 Mbps), Saudi Arabia (13.6 to 31.1 Mbps), and in Thailand (5.7 to 17.4 Mbps).
South Korea received the first place in Games Experience with a score of 88.5 on a 100-point scale, followed by the Netherlands (85.5). There is less evidence that 5G explains these high rankings because comparing the percentage change we see for scores in 4G markets have jumped similarly to the Games Experience in 5G markets.
The telecom research report said 5G spectrum and improved backhaul from cell sites has helped mobile network operators relieve congestion. Download speeds have increased despite growth in mobile data usage at the slowest hour of the day, typically 8pm or 9pm at night.
Current 5G networks mostly use Release 15, but there are new standards coming. Arrival of spectrum should boost speeds considerably, even in markets that already offer 5G. Responsiveness will improve with updated 5G technology, e.g. Release 17, Opensingal said.
