17th June 2023, Mumbai: Over the past few years, the hype surrounding 5G technology reached a fever pitch, with major phone companies and smartphone manufacturers relentlessly promoting its transformative potential. However, the reality has not matched the lofty promises, and it is essential to learn from this experience.
Apple CEO Tim Cook, among others, extolled the incredible performance and speed of 5G, suggesting it would revolutionize our technology experiences. Yet, for many users, including myself, the impact of 5G has been underwhelming. In fact, some users have even chosen to disable 5G due to its negative effect on battery life. While 5G may have tangible benefits in the future, it is crucial to recognize that it represents an incremental advance rather than a revolutionary transformation. It is natural for not every new technology to drastically change our lives, and this is perfectly acceptable. One key lesson to learn from the 5G hype is that we cannot rely solely on corporate promises when evaluating the potential impact of buzzy technologies like artificial intelligence, driverless cars, or the metaverse. Companies often overstate the transformative effects to encourage consumer adoption and generate sales.
One of the primary issues with 5G was that, initially, it did not deliver as advertised. People who tested 5G services found that it was sometimes limited to just a few blocks or even slower than existing 4G networks. Moreover, companies were not always transparent, labeling 4G connections as 5G. Even now, with 5G more widely available, many users fail to notice a significant difference. While 5G theoretically allows for lightning-fast downloads and reduced response times, the real-world impact on everyday usage remains limited. Connectivity issues during FaceTime calls, for instance, are rarely caused by a lack of 5G. It is important to acknowledge that some individuals do benefit from 5G, particularly in areas with limited or unreliable home internet service. Additionally, certain industries leverage 5G’s ultra-fast response times for specialized tasks. However, for the majority of consumers, the push to buy new phones or upgrade their services to access 5G has not resulted in substantial benefits.
In the end, the lesson to be learned is that incremental improvements, rather than grand technological leaps, are the driving force behind progress. While companies’ marketing pitches for 5G were misleading, it is crucial to recognize the reality and not expect every new technology to revolutionize our lives. As we navigate the ever-evolving world of technology, it is important to maintain a balanced perspective and set realistic expectations. Not every innovation will transform our lives in ways portrayed in science fiction movies. By understanding this, we can better assess the true impact of future advancements and make informed decisions about their relevance to our lives.
By Yashika Desai.