Why 5G Sucks ⚠️

Summary

The script discusses the unfulfilled promises of 5G technology, which was expected to revolutionize mobile internet with lightning-fast speeds and minimal latency. Despite the hype, actual 5G performance has been underwhelming, with users often experiencing speeds barely faster than 4G. The video explores the reasons behind this disappointment, including overpromising by tech companies, political interference affecting infrastructure development, and the practical limitations of high-frequency millimeter waves. It also touches on the confusion caused by the inclusion of sub-6 GHz technology in 5G, which offers only marginal improvements over 4G. The script concludes that while 5G may eventually deliver on its potential, current users are better off sticking with 4G.

Takeaways

• 📲 5G was envisioned to revolutionize mobile internet with capabilities like controlling robots remotely and downloading movies in seconds.
• 📱 The transition from 4G to 5G began in 2015, with tech companies like Samsung, Qualcomm, and Nokia defining the new standard.
• 🚀 5G promised significant improvements over 4G, including speeds up to 200 times faster, increased capacity, and near-zero latency.
• 🌐 The higher frequency millimeter waves used by 5G were expected to support the Internet of Things and smart cities.
• 💸 Despite the high promises, many users are experiencing slow speeds and limited benefits, questioning the value of 5G.
• 💵 The cost of 5G services is significantly higher than 4G, with some contracts escalating to exorbitant prices.
• 🌎 In 2021, the average US user spent less than 1% of their time connected to a true 5G millimeter wave network.
• 📉 The hype around 5G did not align with consumer needs, and the industry overpromised on capabilities without a clear delivery plan.
• 🛠️ Political issues, such as the US backing against Huawei, and anti-5G movements have hindered 5G's progress and deployment.
• 📶 A major issue with 5G is its limited range due to the high-frequency waves, which are easily blocked and require extensive infrastructure.
• 🔄 The industry has broadened the definition of 5G to include less impressive sub-6 waves, which are just a marginal improvement over 4G.

Q & A

What were the main promises of 5G technology when it was first announced?

5G promised much faster speeds (up to 20 Gbps, 200 times faster than 4G), more potential users with 100 times more data capacity, and near-zero latency for real-time internet-based activities like controlling robots or supporting smart cities.

Why is the 5G experience disappointing for many users?

5G's high expectations were not met because the technology relies on high-frequency millimeter waves, which have a very limited range and are easily blocked. As a result, users often experience medium-to-slow connections most of the time, with only occasional bursts of high speed.

Why is it challenging to implement 5G outside of major cities?

5G requires high-frequency millimeter waves that don’t travel far and are blocked by obstacles. To cover a city, many small beacons need to be installed at close intervals, which is time-consuming and expensive. Outside of cities, the cost to cover large areas with 5G is too high for the limited number of users.

What are millimeter waves, and how do they relate to 5G's speed and limitations?

Millimeter waves are high-frequency radio waves used in 5G to achieve much faster speeds than 4G. However, their downside is that they have a short range and can be easily obstructed by buildings and other physical objects, limiting 5G's coverage and reliability.

What political issues have slowed the rollout of 5G?

The US accused Huawei, one of the main suppliers of 5G infrastructure, of spying. This led to countries stripping Huawei components from their 5G networks, slowing progress significantly. Additionally, anti-5G movements, which falsely believed 5G towers were harmful, further hindered deployment by damaging existing infrastructure.

How did companies like Nokia, Qualcomm, and Samsung help establish 5G standards?

These tech companies came together to agree on the three main pillars of 5G: faster speeds, more capacity for users and devices, and near-zero latency. This collaboration set the stage for the development and implementation of 5G networks globally.

Why do most people not experience the full potential of 5G?

The majority of 5G users are connected to sub-6 GHz frequencies, which are only slightly faster than 4G, because true millimeter wave technology has very limited coverage. As a result, users often don't see the ultra-fast speeds that were promised.

What is the significance of 5G's promised low latency, and why hasn't it been fully realized?

Low latency in 5G, theoretically less than one millisecond, would allow for real-time responses in activities like remote surgery, virtual reality, or autonomous vehicles. However, the necessary infrastructure to support such low latency is not yet widespread, preventing its full realization.

What are some of the hypothetical scenarios that 5G could enable, according to its proponents?

5G proponents suggested it could enable things like immersive virtual reality experiences, remote surgery, real-time sports data overlays, smart cities with connected devices, and coordinated drone fleets. However, these scenarios are still largely hypothetical and not yet practical for most users.

How have companies attempted to keep consumer interest in 5G despite its slow development?

Companies have broadened the definition of 5G to include sub-6 GHz frequencies, which rely on existing 4G infrastructure but offer marginally faster speeds. This has made 5G more accessible but has also confused consumers about what 'true' 5G really is.