How Mobile Apps Can Leverage 5G In The US

Whether mobile apps are central to a business or serve as a valuable complement, product development is a pillar for the success of any SaaS or app-based business.

Therefore, as 5G adoption in North America continues to grow, businesses would be wise to harness 5G as part of their mobile app development strategy.

In this article, we explore:

• Key figures and statistics on 5G adoption in the US
• What 5G is and its implications on mobile apps
• How to leverage it to deliver an enhanced user experience

Let’s begin.

Key North American 5G Statistics 

Here are some key statistics on the state of 5G in the US as of November 2024 according to the Ericsson Mobility Report:

• Over 300 million people live in areas served by 5G low-band while 210-300 million people are covered by 5G mid-band. 
• 53% of US smartphone subscriptions are on 5G networks.
• By Q1 2024, FWA had reached 9 million connected business and residential locations across the US, offering high-speed, reliable connectivity as an alternative to wired broadband. 5G in the mid-band spectrum is closing the performance gap compared to traditional fixed broadband.
• The rise of 5G has led to an increase in data plan diversity, including micro-segmentation, service bundling, and commercial bundling.
• The US leads use of 5G in sports venues, with 243 venues having >20,000 seats, 

5G in The US VS Canada

According to Ericsson’s North American 5G report, while both the US and Canada have made strides in 5G deployment, the US has a more advanced 5G infrastructure with:

• More coverage across low, mid, and high-band frequencies
• FWA leadership
• 150 MHz of unlicensed CBRS spectrum compared to Canada’s 80 MHz

On a global scale, both countries are still leaders in 5G adoption, so Canada-based businesses benefit just as much from incorporating the strengths of 5G into their mobile app development strategies.

However, first, let’s explain some of the tech jargon mentioned in the section.

What Is 5G?

5G is the fifth generation of mobile network technology which offers faster internet speeds and more reliable connections – for context, Vodafone states 5G is up to 10 times faster than 4G with peak speeds over 1Gbps

For end users, this means faster downloads, less delay, and better performance.

To fully understand 5G, we’ve made a glossary of common terms with non-technical explanations.

Term	Explanation
5G Low-Band	A type of 5G signal that travels long distances but has slower speeds.
5G Mid-Band	A faster 5G signal balanced between speed and distance.
5G High-Band	The fastest 5G signal but with shorter range and less ability to pass through walls.
FWA (Fixed Wireless Access)	A technology that provides internet connection without cables, using 5G signals.
Micro-Segmentation	Breaking down a large market into smaller, more specific groups to tailor services better.
Service Bundling	Combining different services, like internet, TV, and phone, into one package.
Commercial Bundling	A business strategy where products or services are sold together at a discount.

Ultimately, it means faster downloads and less delays for streaming, gaming, and smart devices.

How US Mobile App Development Can Incorporate 5G

Optimize for Speed and Low Latency

With 5G offering up to 10 times faster speeds than 4G, mobile app developers can optimize their apps to make full use of this speed. 

This includes enabling faster data transfers, smooth video streaming, and near-instant loading times, which will improve user satisfaction, especially in apps related to media, gaming, and e-commerce.

Incorporate Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) Features

The increased speed and low latency of 5G will allow for more immersive AR and VR experiences, which are data-heavy and require minimal delay. 

Developers can integrate AR/VR features in apps like gaming, retail, real estate, and education.

Enhance Streaming and Gaming Experiences

5G’s high bandwidth will revolutionize mobile gaming and streaming, allowing for higher quality video streaming and cloud gaming with minimal buffering.

Also, consider integrating real-time gaming features or improving live streaming platforms to make them more responsive and lag-free.

Leverage Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) for Rural Connectivity

As FWA grows, it can provide high-speed internet access to previously underserved areas.

Developers can cater to these users by ensuring that their apps are optimized for both low and high-speed connections.

Target Micro-Segmentation for Personalization

With 5G enabling more diverse data plans and services, developers can use micro-segmentation to create more personalized experiences for users. 

Tailoring the app content, promotions, or services based on user preferences can become even more effective.

Adopt Service Bundling for Revenue Growth

As part of their app monetization strategy, developers can bundle their apps with other services, such as subscription models, in-app purchases, or premium content.

With 5G providing more seamless mobile usage, bundling apps with content and services like video streaming or e-commerce can attract more users.

Focus on Smart Devices and IoT Integration

As mentioned in our list of mobile app development trends, 5G’s low latency and high bandwidth make it perfect for apps that rely on the Internet of Things (IoT). 

Mobile apps connected to smart devices, like wearables, smart home systems, and connected cars, will benefit from the faster data processing that 5G enables.

By adopting these strategies when developing a product roadmap, mobile app developers in North America can create next-generation apps that take full advantage of 5G.

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