Users express increased satisfaction with 5G in UAE: Ericsson report

A growing number of subscribers around the world including the United Arab Emirates (UAE) express increased satisfaction with 5G, with application-experience-based metrics such as mobile gaming and video calling experience, and 5G speed consistency primarily influencing consumer satisfaction in the country, according to a new Ericsson ConsumerLab report.

The report, titled "5G Value: Turning performance into loyalty", reveals some unique insights and consumer trends about 5G in UAE. Based on the views of 1,220 consumers surveyed in UAE, including 650 active 5G customers, the report also highlights that unsatisfactory 5G connectivity experiences at key locations such as stadiums, entertainment arenas and airports can make customers globally up to three times more likely to switch communications service providers.

"Based on recent Ookla speedtests, the United Arab Emirates is the home of the fastest mobile network in the world. The new Ericsson ConsumerLab report offers insights into what consumers in the UAE expect from their world-leading 5G infrastructure and what drives user satisfaction and loyalty," said Ekow Nelson, Country General Manager of Ericsson United Arab Emirates at Ericsson Middle East and Africa.

Other key insights from the report include:

• The number of users highly satisfied with overall 5G network performance has increased by 13 percent YoY in UAE. 57 percent of users are very happy with their 5G network performance, which is among the highest shares globally.
• 5G is significantly impacting video streaming and augmented reality (AR) usage. The report found that users with innovative service bundles spent almost 60 percent of their total video streaming time on enhanced video content or AR, while those without such bundles spent almost half of their time on immersive content.
• Consumer loyalty in 5G is heavily influenced by network performance (speed, 5G indoor coverage, and outdoor coverage) at key locations. In the UAE, 19 percent of 5G users have switched service providers since the launch of 5G and almost 60 percent of them did so primarily due to the 5G network's performance.
• 5G consumers are willing to pay premiums for an enhanced connectivity experience, with 23 percent of UAE smartphone users willing to pay an average premium of 10-12 percent for QoS-led offerings