Recently, China Unicom has shed light on the authentic figure of 5G users in 2024, marking the first time such data has been publicly disclosed. The statistics reveal that while mobile user numbers reached 349 million, only 204 million of these users were actively utilizing 5G networks, constituting 58.5% of the total. This implies that a significant 40% of subscribers remain on non-5G networks.

This isn't the first instance where an operator has disclosed the actual 5G user count. Previously, China Mobile also adjusted its definition of 5G users, shifting from those subscribed to 5G plans to those actively using 5G networks. Their 2024 data indicates a mobile user base of 1.068 billion, with 552 million on 5G networks, representing a 5G penetration rate of 55%.

This revised definition underscores operators' pragmatic approach. Prior definitions, which categorized 5G users solely based on 5G plan subscriptions, yielded numbers exceeding current 5G network users. For instance, 2022 data showed China Mobile with 614 million 5G plan subscribers and China Unicom with 210 million, yet their 5G network user counts today still fall short of these figures, emphasizing that many 5G plan holders do not actively use 5G services. This highlights consumer sentiment towards 5G adoption.

To access 5G networks, consumers must subscribe to a 5G plan, own a 5G-capable phone, and ensure compatibility with the latest 5G technology. Only then can they fully engage with 5G networks.

Over the years, 5G technology has continually evolved. Initial debates centered on 5G NSA versus 5G SA. Subsequently, China Mobile partnered with China Broadcasting Network to establish a 700MHz 5G network. China Unicom secured a license for the 900MHz 5G band, while China Telecom obtained an 800MHz license. Nowadays, we have 5.5G technology on the horizon.

With each technological advancement, early 5G phones have become obsolete, leading to consumer fatigue. Given the high cost of 5G phones, many are hesitant to upgrade annually. Current survey data indicates that the average phone replacement cycle has extended to over 36 months. This reluctance to upgrade contributes to the hesitancy in adopting 5G networks.

Notably, among 5G phones, Apple's iPhone stands out as highly advanced. Operators have noted that even older models like the iPhone 13 can support 5.5G technology through a simple iOS update. The iPhone 12 also supports additional 5G bands introduced by operators, ensuring Apple's 5G iPhones remain unaffected by technological upgrades.

Another deterrent for 5G adoption is the use of high-frequency bands. These signals struggle to penetrate walls and are challenging to receive in urban corners like stairwells and bathrooms. This leads to frequent 4G/5G切换, compromising the mobile internet experience and battery life.

Operators also face challenges. 5G base stations operating on high-frequency bands offer limited coverage. It is estimated that the coverage of three 5G base stations is comparable to that of a single 4G base station. Consequently, operators' investments in 5G infrastructure far exceed those for 4G.

Moreover, 5G base stations consume significantly more power than their 4G counterparts. There have been instances where operators have had to shut down 5G base stations during off-peak hours to reduce energy consumption. This underscores the unsustainable power demands of 5G base stations, further reinforcing consumers' perception that 5G signals are inferior to 4G, thus deterring them from adopting 5G.

As a result, a substantial number of users continue to rely on 4G networks. Data from China Mobile and China Unicom reveals that the combined number of users still on 4G networks amounts to a staggering 661 million.