Article Today, New Delhi:
The much-hyped 5G revolution in India appears to be more illusion than reality. While mobile screens display the 5G symbol, users continue to experience sluggish speeds comparable to 4G. Recent research indicates that nearly 40 percent of so-called 5G connections are actually running on 4G networks, raising serious questions about the authenticity of mobile operators’ claims.
Performance Gap Exposed
According to network analysis reports, 5G was expected to deliver download speeds 15 to 25 times faster than 4G. The average 4G speed in India stands at around 13 Mbps, while 5G should ideally reach 338 Mbps. In theory, such speeds would enable users to download multiple high-definition films in seconds. However, the promised performance has largely failed to materialize, with tests revealing vast disparities between expectation and reality.
Scientific Verification
Policy Tracker, an independent assessment agency, conducted over 11,000 speed tests across multiple locations including London, Birmingham, and Lincolnshire. The study revealed that despite the 5G icon appearing on phones, the data was often routed through existing 4G infrastructure. This misrepresentation led to significantly lower speeds, highlighting the gap between marketed and actual service quality.
Weak Infrastructure and Limited Coverage
Experts point to insufficient 5G infrastructure as the primary reason for poor performance. True 5G service requires dense networks of signal masts placed at short intervals. Despite heavy investments and government approvals, coverage remains inconsistent and weak. Urban areas face frequent signal drops, while rural regions have almost no access. Even “standalone 5G” plans, advertised as premium, show only marginal improvement at limited locations such as railway stations.
Silent Downgrades
Mobile operators claim that the 5G indicator merely signifies network availability, not constant connectivity. This means users are automatically switched to 4G when signal strength drops, often without their knowledge. Consumer rights advocates describe this as a form of hidden manipulation, accusing operators of misleading customers for profit under the guise of advanced technology.
Consumer Awareness Needed
Industry experts urge consumers to verify their connection speeds using online tools before accepting provider claims. Platforms such as Ookla and Ofcom’s Mobile Coverage Checker can help measure download and upload rates accurately. If consistent issues persist, consumers are advised to file complaints or switch providers, even if bound by existing contracts. As consumer rights specialist Jasper Gregson notes, “If a company advertises one thing and delivers another, it constitutes clear deception.”
Regulatory Oversight Lacking
Despite substantial government investments in 5G rollout, regulatory oversight remains weak. Operators continue to market downgraded 4G services under the 5G label with little accountability. Analysts argue that this reflects a failure of enforcement rather than technology. Unless authorities intervene swiftly, experts warn, the 5G revolution will remain a mirage—promising progress while perpetuating consumer fraud.
