5G cellular services have already been around the US for over half a decade now, and several areas have yet to experience the so-called advancements in network technology.
Mired in controversies, conspiracies, and pushbacks, implementation of 5G networks across the whole country remains a challenge as telcos are already moving on to "5.5G" services.
5G Conspiracy Theories Continue Today
One of the main factors of the slow deployment of 5G networks can be pointed to the rise of conspiracy theories made to the pushbacks the cellular service has suffered during its early years.
It can be remembered that several 5G networks were vandalized and burnt down during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 amid the surge of conspiracy theories online.
Major projects related to 5G networks have fully started in 2019 when anti-vaccine sentiments have been rising. The pandemic only amplified these fears among many people, including hesitance to technologies transmitting radio waves.
Although tension against the technology has died down, many people are still somewhat reluctant on the technology.
5G Cell Service Remains Expensive
Another hurdle in 5G networks ruling the cellular data market in the US is how expensive its services are compared to 4G networks.
According to European telecom provider CENTUM Digital, operators are expected to spend at least 75% of the estimated $1.3 trillion towards 5G for the next seven years.
The higher cost for production also means that the services will also be much higher, going around $89 per month in comparison to 4G's $68 monthly fee.
The financial risks towards the transition slows down efforts from telecoms to ramp up distribution of 5G networks in the US, especially with only a small number of the population started using it.
It does not help that 4G network is still widely available.
So far, companies have slowly started guiding people to shift to 5G network services by pushing 5G-exclusive phones over the years, phasing out the older 4G network-only devices.
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Inconsistent Government Support Delays 5G Network Boom
Of course, the government's support also dictates how technological advancements will progress in their country. In this case, the inconsistency of assistance shows a bigger challenge to the prospect.
Last February, the US government allocated $42 million on helping launch more open cell networks in the country.
However, the budget given towards the effort is much smaller compared to other technological advancement efforts pushed by the current administration.
The last time the government spearheaded massive actions towards 5G was in 2021, almost three years ago already.
It does not help that the release of the budgets has been reportedly slow due to pushbacks from lawmakers regarding the government's financial priorities.
This has been the same problem the country is facing with access to high-speed internet, a venture that has only received bigger attention during recent events.
