Ericsson: Users expect to pay more for novel 5G devices and networks

European carriers have publicly questioned whether customers will compensate them for building faster 5G networks, so it’s no surprise that 5G hardware supplier Ericsson believes the answer is yes. Now it’s backing that hunch up with a 22-country study based on over 35,000 consumer interviews, 22 expert interviews, and six focus groups, suggesting that many users are willing to pay for 5G devices and services — assuming 5G delivers genuine novelties beyond just faster speeds.

According to the Ericsson ConsumerLab study published today, potential 5G users are already questioning whether current smartphone form factors and features will be enough to make proper use of the next-generation cellular technology. Forty-three percent of recent iPhone users doubt that similar devices will properly exploit 5G; 50% believe that AR smart glasses will have a major role alongside smartphones over the next five years, while 40% expect that 360-degree cameras, folding screens, and holographic projection abilities will show up to justify 5G hardware.