A new study from Deloitte has found that public understanding of 5G remains low, with only one-in-ten people using it.

The new study found that 56% of the population, compared to 64% in the previous year, don't understand the benefits of the latest generation of broadband technology.

Deloitte Ireland’s Digital Consumer Trends Report, which looked at consumers’ attitudes towards 5G found the majority of users are aged 18-24 (17%), with more than half (54%) of consumers saying that they can’t tell the difference between 4G and 5G.

61% of people think they will have better network connectivity (faster, more reliable) on 5G than on 4G, consumer adoption is slow and there is complacency towards switching with 15% of respondents saying they would switch as soon as it’s available in their region.

13% would switch if they hear good things about it, 18% say they would switch if was the standard offering and there was no alternative and 30% noted they would probably switch eventually.

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When it comes to network offerings, over a third (36%) said they would change network operators based on 5G coverage.

John Kehoe, Audit Partner at Deloitte Ireland said: "While the concept of 5G has been talked about for some time, the benefits are still not clear to consumers."

There has also been ongoing debate around health concerns with 5G and while people are less concerned about the health risks associated with 5G than they were in 2020 (16% vs 20%), 38% still feel that they “don’t know” if there are health risks associated.

Mr Kehoe added: "Education on these benefits and dispelling the myths around health concerns will be essential as the rollout picks up, particularly as work moves to a hybrid model, because the current wired broadband network is not built for a sustainable work from home scenario."

Mr Kehoe also called on the Government for infrastructure in order to ensure that more people have access to the 5G network.

"The government’s Digital Ireland Framework published earlier this month set out a target to have 5G coverage in all populated areas by 2030.

"There needs to be a significant investment and capital injection to support the rollout, from cell towers to power consumption tracking. Until this investment is clear, it may be some time until consumers can fully reap the benefits of 5G including improved health and wellbeing, enhanced entertainment and smarter, connected cities."

Images: Getty