Over the past year, the term '5G' has been thrown around loosely in the telecom world. Many are asking: What exactly is 5G, and is it time to buy a 5G phone?
5G refers to a suite of emerging technologies designed to deliver speeds of 1 gigabit per second or higher. For context, the average 4G speed across carriers is about 31 Mbps—making 5G at least 30 times faster than today's typical 4G connections.
Early 5G rollouts from Verizon and T-Mobile are limited to a few U.S. cities, with compatible phones arriving in 2019. But is investing in a 5G phone right now a smart move?
When 4G LTE launched, it started in major cities before expanding nationwide, including rural areas—though that took years. 5G's rollout will be even slower due to its unique technology.
5G relies on millimeter waves, which offer blazing speeds but can't travel far or penetrate walls and buildings effectively. This requires deploying numerous small cells instead of traditional towers, complicating coverage for highways, rural areas, and everyday scenarios.
In 2019, 5G will be spotty at best. For most users, a 5G phone won't unlock its potential yet, making it a premature and costly purchase.
5G will eventually become widespread across the U.S. and beyond, but in 2019, it's more hype than reality. Widespread availability isn't expected until at least 2020, when 5G phones and plans should be more affordable.
Early adopters will face premium prices for devices and data. Our advice, drawn from years tracking telecom trends: Hold off and invest in something practical instead of a 2019 5G smartphone.
Image credit: 3D graphic by Quince Creative
