The advent 5G network promised to transform the domain. However, many 5G users have come up to point out the issues they encountered while using the network. They have reported having witnessed slow internet speed. Many of them have not been able to use applications on their phones through 5G. All this goes against the celebrated promise of 5G technology. 

Internet users have been waiting with their hands on their hearts for relishing the magic of 5G. The upgraded network technology promises a better experience for 4G users. Taking on that part, it strives to provide high-speed internet. Not just that, it also builds on the expectations of promoting a quick and reliable experience. In many parts of the world, 5G is already in use. However, many of these users have expressed their disdain for the poor performance of the network.

Telecom brands have been promoting themselves by riding on the juggernauts of the 5G network. They have been painting a rosy picture before their customers. According to them, the network will have users accessing things online within the blink of an eye. It will overcome the problems that one faces while using 4G networks.

Therefore, internet users have high expectations of the network. It is still on cards in many countries. On the other hand, advanced countries have already rolled that out. However, many 5G users have come with a gruesome picture of the narrative. They have complained of poor internet connectivity. Not just that, they are also facing issues while accessing applications on their smartphone.

For instance, one user could not upload their picture on social media while they were attending a packed concert in London's O2 arena. Not just that, they also faced significant issues when they tried to access Google Maps.

Patrick (from Bristol) shared, “It's really frustrating. 5G was promised to be incredibly fast across the country. And if anything, it's worse than what we had already. It's not acceptable.”

Jon (from Yorkshire) shared, “It makes my phone pretty worthless.” Not just that, many users have also found 5G to be slower than 4G when they used a speed checker. Well, there are many roadblocks to 5G on its way. It requires many masts to work out faster speeds over shorter distances. Many people have also argued that it is more harmful than 4G. However, the results do not corroborate it. Many souls also linked it to the Covid outbreak.

All of that has made it difficult for companies to expand their infrastructure in many areas. Gareth Elliott (from the industry trade association Mobile UK) highlighted that facet. He said, “We are working with communities, working with local authorities and we do aim to extend 5G coverage as quickly as possible. The closer you live or work to a mast, the better signal you have.”

In 2020, the UK government directed the removal of Huawei’s 5G kit from all infrastructures given national security.  

According to analyst Ian Fogg (from the company OpenSignal), “Companies talking up 5G are often thinking not just about what's here now but what we'll be having in 18 months, two or three years time. So there's that expectation of, 'This is what it's going to do.' We're seeing some of that improvement now - but not all of it.”

Adding to that, he said, “The networks need to be very careful that there is not a huge gap between the rhetoric and the reality of the experience.”

Thus, 5G waves are still in their wings and are waiting to fly high.