Understanding 5G: Benefits, Risks,

Challenges, and Future Outlook

Introduction to 5G Technology
5G is the fifth-generation (5G) mobile network, the successor to 4G LTE, first launched
commercially in 2019

ibm.com
. It operates on similar radio frequencies as previous networks but
uses them more efficiently, offering major improvements
in speed, latency, and capacity
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. In practical terms, 5G can deliver much faster data downloads,
more responsive connections, and support far more devices
simultaneously than earlier networks. These capabilities make 5G a
foundational technology for new innovations in communication and
connectivity.

5G’s rollout has been rapid and global. Dozens of countries began deploying 5G by 2019–2020,
and adoption has accelerated since. By the end of 2024, over 320 mobile operators had launched
5G networks worldwide, bringing 5G coverage to an estimated 55% of the global population

ericsson.com
. In other words, more than half of the world’s people are expected
to be within reach of a 5G signal by 2025. This fast expansion
underscores 5G’s importance as a next-generation infrastructure.
The sections below will explore what benefits 5G offers, the public
concerns and risks associated with it, the challenges in
implementing it, and what the future may hold as 5G evolves.

Benefits of 5G
5G technology was designed to significantly improve on 4G in multiple ways. For consumers
and society, these improvements translate into several key benefits:

 Ultra-Fast Speeds: 5G networks can transmit data at vastly higher rates than 4G. In
theory, 5G peak download speeds can reach 10–20 gigabits per second (Gbps), whereas
4G peaks around 1 Gbps

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 . Even in everyday use, 5G is about ten times faster than 4G, making tasks like
downloading HD movies or backing up data almost instantaneous

ibm.com

. For example, a large file that might take minutes on 4G can download in seconds on a
good 5G connection. This bandwidth allows for smooth streaming of high-definition
videos and powers data-heavy applications like virtual reality (VR) and augmented
reality (AR) in real time

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 Low Latency (Quick Response): Latency is the time it takes for data to travel between
devices. 5G dramatically lowers latency to as little as 1–2 milliseconds (ms) in ideal
conditions

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, compared to typical latencies of 30–50 ms on 4G. This near-instant responsiveness

enables new real-time applications that were not feasible before. For instance, doctors in
China have used 5G to perform remote surgery on patients nearly 3,000 km away,
inserting brain stimulators with only 2 ms of network lag – effectively as if they were
operating in the same room

businessinsider.com

. Such ultra-reliable, low-latency communication also benefits self-driving cars and smart
transportation systems, which require split-second data exchanges between vehicles,
sensors, and traffic infrastructure to ensure safety. Online gaming and interactive live
streaming likewise become smoother and more immersive with minimal delay.

 Greater Capacity and Connectivity: 5G greatly expands the capacity of networks to

handle connected devices. It is designed to support up to 1 million devices per square
kilometer simultaneously

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– an order of magnitude more than 4G networks can manage. This massive connection
density is crucial for the Internet of Things (IoT) era. With 5G, cities can connect vast
numbers of sensors, appliances, and vehicles without overloading the network. Imagine
smart cities where millions of IoT devices (traffic lights, environmental sensors, security
cameras, etc.) are all online, or large events where tens of thousands of smartphones can
all get service at once. 5G’s capacity enables these scenarios by handling more data
streams in parallel. In addition, 5G networks can dynamically allocate resources (using
 techniques like network slicing) to serve different needs – for example, giving extra
reliability to critical IoT medical monitors while also supporting everyday smartphone
use on the same infrastructure.

 New Applications and Services: The combination of high speed, low latency, and high
capacity makes 5G an enabler for advanced applications across many sectors. In
healthcare, 5G allows telemedicine with high-quality video and even remote procedures
(as demonstrated by 5G-powered robotic surgeries)

businessinsider.com

. In transportation, 5G links vehicles, road sensors, and control systems in real time,
supporting autonomous driving and smarter traffic management. In industry, 5G enables
wireless factory automation, real-time control of robots, and more efficient logistics
through constant communication between machines (often termed Industry 4.0).
Entertainment and media are also enhanced – consumers can enjoy lag-free mobile
gaming, AR/VR experiences, and seamless video calls. In short, 5G provides the
wireless backbone for innovations like smart grids, connected agriculture, immersive
education, and beyond, many of which were impractical under 4G’s limitations

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. As one report noted, 5G is a disruptive technology with the potential to transform how
we interact with the internet and digital services across our lives

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Risks and Concerns

Like any major technology, 5G comes with its share of public concerns and potential risks. The
most frequently discussed issues include health effects, privacy and security risks, and
environmental impacts:

 Health Effects: Since 5G involves radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic signals, some

people worry that increased exposure to these signals (especially from new 5G antennas
in neighborhoods) could harm health. Fears have ranged from general concerns about
headaches or fatigue to unfounded conspiracy theories (for example, a debunked claim
that 5G towers were linked to COVID-19). The scientific consensus, however, is that 5G
is safe within standard exposure limits. Decades of research on mobile network radiation
have not found conclusive evidence of adverse health effects from the low-power, non-
ionizing radiation used in cellular networks

who.int
 . A World Health Organization review of studies (1994–2022) reported no increase in
brain cancer or other cancer rates attributable to mobile phone use, despite the huge
surge in wireless usage over time

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. In other words, the rise of 4G and 5G has not corresponded with any observed public
health trend in tumors. Regulatory bodies like the FCC and international agencies
continue to monitor 5G’s frequencies, but to date no causal link between 5G and health
problems has been confirmed. 5G uses similar frequencies and power levels as 4G, just
more efficiently; these RF waves are far below the energy of ionizing radiation (like X-
rays) and cannot directly damage DNA. While ongoing research will keep studying long-
term effects, experts largely consider 5G safe under existing safety guidelines

who.int

 Privacy Concerns: 5G’s very design – with more antennas and more data – raises new
privacy questions. Because 5G networks use many small cells with limited range, mobile
operators will install far more cell sites (on poles, buildings, etc.) to blanket an area. This
density means your phone will connect to closer antennas, allowing your location to be
tracked at a much finer precision than before. In urban areas, a 5G network could
pinpoint which building or even which floor you are on

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. This granular location data is valuable but potentially intrusive if misused – for
instance, if sold to advertisers or accessed by authorities without proper safeguards.
Moreover, the sheer volume of data transmitted over 5G (especially from IoT devices and
wearables) includes lots of personal information. Smart watches, health monitors, home
security cameras, smart refrigerators – all these may send data over 5G. Protecting
sensitive personal datain this ecosystem is a challenge. There are concerns about how
securely companies will collect and store this data, and whether users can control who
sees it. For example, a 5G-connected medical device might relay a patient’s vital signs; if
those data streams aren’t encrypted or are improperly handled, privacy could be
compromised

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. In summary, 5G will generate more detailed data about individuals’ lives (locations,
habits, device usage), and ensuring privacy will require robust policies and security
measures so that this data isn’t abused or exposed.

 Security Vulnerabilities: Along with privacy, cybersecurity is a major concern for 5G.
The network’s complexity – involving software-defined networking, cloud-based
 services, and countless connected gadgets – potentially increases what security experts
call the “attack surface.” If not configured and managed carefully, 5G networks could be
vulnerable to hacking, espionage, or disruption

cisa.gov

. For example, a hacker might attempt to exploit weaknesses in the 5G core software or in
an IoT device to gain unauthorized access to data. Network slicing, while useful, means
more virtual networks to protect. Likewise, billions of IoT devices connecting to 5G may
lack strong security, making them targets for botnets or malware that could then spread
through the network. Another issue is the supply chain and infrastructure security: 5G
equipment is supplied by a few global vendors, and some governments have raised
concerns about using hardware from foreign manufacturers. Notably, the U.S. and some
allies worry that if 5G gear from an untrusted company is installed, it might include
backdoors or hidden capabilities allowing foreign espionage

spiceworks.com

. This has led to bans on certain vendors in critical networks. Even aside from intentional
threats, 5G’s dependence on software updates means bugs or flaws could pose risks if not
quickly patched. Agencies like the U.S. Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency
(CISA) have outlined 5G risk mitigation strategies to address these issues

cisa.gov

. In essence, while 5G can be made very secure, it requires significant cybersecurity

efforts to prevent new threats – from encrypting data and authenticating devices to
securing the supply chain and monitoring for attacks.

 Environmental Impact: The environmental footprint of 5G is a subject of active

discussion. On one hand, 5G’s efficiencies could help reduce waste and energy use in
many sectors (for example, enabling smart grids, optimizing traffic to cut fuel
consumption, or facilitating telecommuting instead of travel). On the other hand, building
and powering 5G networks and the explosion of devices could increase resource
use. Energy consumption is a key factor: 5G base stations and data centers may use a lot
of electricity. In fact, a dense network of small 5G cells could consume considerably
more power than today’s 4G towers – one analysis found a typical 5G small cell might
draw up to three times the power of a 4G macrocell

news.climate.columbia.edu

. This is because 5G sites often have multiple antennas, advanced signal processing, and
need to be deployed in large numbers. If the electricity powering 5G comes from fossil
fuels, the carbon emissions of running the network could rise. Additionally, electronic
waste is a concern. Widespread adoption of 5G means consumers will upgrade to 5G
phones and businesses will install new 5G-enabled devices. Many older smartphones,
 routers, and IoT gadgets will be retired. Without strong recycling programs, this could
add to the growing e-waste problem – potentially millions of discarded devices over the
next few years

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. The production of new 5G hardware also requires raw materials (metals, rare earths,
etc.), which has environmental impacts from mining and manufacturing. However, it’s
worth noting that 5G might also help the environment in indirect ways. For example, 5G-
connected sensors can make agriculture more efficient (using less water and fertilizer),
and smart-building systems can save energy by optimizing heating and lighting

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. Teleconferencing over 5G could reduce the need for commuting or flying to meetings,
cutting transportation emissions

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. Thus, the net environmental impact of 5G will depend on how responsibly the
technology is implemented. Researchers emphasize the need to power 5G with renewable
energy where possible and to design devices and networks with energy efficiency in
mind, so that the gains from 5G-enabled efficiencies are not negated by the energy costs
of the network itself.

Challenges to Implementation
Deploying 5G infrastructure and making its benefits widely available have proven to be
challenging. Unlike a simple software upgrade, 5G rollout requires significant physical and
regulatory changes. Key challenges include building the necessary infrastructure, navigating
regulations and public acceptance, and the high costs involved in deployment.

A cluster of 5G small-cell antennas on a building rooftop in Pittsburgh, USA. 5G deployment

often requires many smallantenna installations throughout cities, rather than a few big cell
towers. This is because high-frequency 5G signals (especially in the millimeter wave band) have
limited range and poor penetration through walls. Thus, carriers must install densified
infrastructure: small-cell base stations mounted on streetlights, utility poles, rooftops, and other
locations every few hundred meters to ensure continuous coverage

news.climate.columbia.edu
. Each small cell might look like a box or cylinder with multiple mini
antennas (as shown in the image) and needs power and high-speed
backhaul (usually fiber optic cables) to connect it to the broader
network
news.climate.columbia.edu
news.climate.columbia.edu
. Planning and deploying this dense network of antennas is a logistical
hurdle. In urban areas, finding suitable sites and obtaining permits
for thousands of new nodes can be time-consuming. Communities
sometimes object to the proliferation of equipment on their streets
due to aesthetic concerns or health fears, which can delay
approvals. In suburban or rural areas, the economics of dense small
cells are difficult – it’s impractical to deploy so many sites to cover a
sparse population, so those areas must rely on lower-frequency 5G
that travels farther but offers lower speeds. Achieving broad 5G
coverage, therefore, requires a mix of solutions and is an ongoing
effort. The bottom line is that infrastructure needs for 5G are much
greater than for previous networks, and this has been a fundamental
implementation challenge.

Spectrum and Regulatory Hurdles: Another challenge has been securing the radio spectrum
and navigating regulations to support 5G. 5G operates across several frequency bands (low, mid,
and high). Governments allocate these bands and often auction them to carriers. In many
countries, 5G required freeing up new spectrum (for example, mid-bandfrequencies around 3.5
GHz and high-band millimeter waves around 26–28 GHz). The process of reallocating spectrum
from other uses (like TV broadcasts or military) and then auctioning licenses to telecom
operators took time. It also proved very expensive for carriers – for instance, in the United States
a single auction for mid-band 5G spectrum in 2021 raised over $80 billion from bidders

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. Globally, spectrum auctions in the year 2021 accumulated an
unprecedented $140 billion in fees as countries sold 5G frequencies to
operators
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. These costs strain the finances of mobile operators and can slow
down network investment in other areas. Beyond spectrum, regulatory
approval is needed for the massive infrastructure build-out mentioned
above. Local governments control zoning and permitting for antenna
sites, and not all have been quick to adapt their rules for 5G
equipment. Some regions passed rules to streamline small-cell
approvals, but elsewhere bureaucratic delays have been an
impediment. Regulators also face the task of updating safety
standards (even if 5G is safe, rules for maximum exposure levels
had to be confirmed for the new frequencies) and ensuring
interoperability standards so that 5G networks and devices work
across vendors and countries. International cooperation through
bodies like the 3GPP and ITU has helped create common 5G
standards, but national policies (such as bans on certain suppliers, or
requirements to cover rural areas) have introduced additional layers
for carriers to navigate. Overall, obtaining spectrum licenses and
satisfying regulatory and public requirements are significant pieces
of the 5G puzzle.

High Deployment Costs: The financial investment required to roll out 5G is enormous. Telecom
companies must upgrade or install a wide array of equipment – new antennas, base station
hardware, transmission fiber, and core network technology – across their entire service area.
Estimates of the global cost of 5G infrastructure run into the trillions of dollars; one industry
analysis projected total 5G infrastructure spending could hit $2.7 trillion by the end of 2020
alone (including early build-outs and network upgrades)

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. For an individual operator, deploying 5G at scale often means
multi-billion dollar capital expenditures each year for network
modernization. This includes not only the radio equipment but also
densifying the network (which means many more sites to acquire or
lease), installing power and high-speed backhaul connections to
those sites, and upgrading the core network to handle much greater
data volumes with low latency. Additionally, many operators paid
premium prices for 5G spectrum rights, as noted above, which adds
to the overall cost of delivering service. All these expenses put
pressure on carriers to eventually recoup their investment – for
example, by introducing new services or charging premium rates for
5G (which has met with mixed success so far). The business case for
5G can be challenging, especially in early years when coverage is
incomplete and not all consumers have 5G devices. In some regions,
the initial rollout focused on big cities and high-demand areas, which
could leave rural communities waiting longer for 5G due to lower
return on investment there. Governments and industry are looking
at ways to share costs or provide incentives to extend 5G beyond
profitable urban centers. Another cost factor is user equipment:
consumers need 5G-compatible phones or devices, and early on
these were high-end and expensive. Over time, 5G phones have
become common even in mid-range prices, which helps adoption.
Still, ensuring a broad user base (so that the new network is actually
used) is part of the challenge – it’s a chicken-and-egg dynamic where
carriers invest in coverage and hope users upgrade devices, while
users want to see coverage and value before upgrading. Despite
these hurdles, telecom companies and governments are investing
heavily because 5G is seen as critical infrastructure for future
economic growth. Managing the costs and efficiently building out
networks will continue to be a delicate balance for the industry in
the coming years.

Future Outlook
As 5G networks mature, attention is turning to what’s next – both in fully realizing 5G’s
potential and in developing next-generation wireless technology. The near future will see 5G
becoming more widespread and capable, while the longer-term future will likely introduce 6G,
pushing the boundaries of wireless communication even further.

In the next few years, we can expect 5G coverage and usage to grow dramatically. Telecom
forecasts predict that by 2025 there will be around 2.6 billion 5G subscriptions globally

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– roughly a quarter to a third of all mobile connections. Most new
smartphones being sold now are 5G-enabled, accelerating user
adoption. Network coverage maps are expanding beyond major
cities to smaller towns and rural highways. By the end of this
decade, industry projections suggest 5G could reach approximately 85%
of the world’s population (especially as low-band 5G fills in wide areas)
ericsson.com
. This means that 5G will become the new normal for wireless
connectivity, much like 4G is today in 2025. We will likely see the
benefits of 5G more uniformly as coverage gaps close – for example,
ultra-high-speed internet not just in downtown areas but also in
suburbs and along transportation corridors. One important aspect
will be ensuring that this expansion is inclusive: there is a risk of
a digital divide if some developing countries or rural regions lag far
behind in 5G deployment. International efforts (and possibly
satellite-based 5G coverage from low-earth orbit satellites) may help
bring advanced connectivity to areas that are hard to reach with
terrestrial networks
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. Overall, the next five years will be about scaling up 5G and making
its advanced capabilities accessible to more people and industries
worldwide.

At the same time, 5G technology itself will continue to evolve. The 5G standards are being
refined in releases often referred to as “5G-Advanced” or Release 17/18 in the 3GPP standard
roadmap. These updates will enhance 5G with even better performance – for instance, improved
uplink speeds, even lower latency reliability for critical applications, power-saving features for
IoT devices, and more sophisticated network management like advanced network slicing. Such
improvements will gradually roll out in the late 2020s, effectively upgrading what 5G networks
can do without a brand-new generation. Looking further ahead, research on 6G is already
underway in labs and industry consortia. While still very early, 6G is envisioned as the sixth-
generation wireless system, likely to be introduced around 2030

qualcomm.com
. The technical standards for 6G are expected to be finalized by the
end of this decade, with the first commercial deployments perhaps
in the early 2030s. So what might 6G entail? Although speculative,
experts suggest 6G could operate on even higher-frequency bands
(potentially terahertz frequencies), enabling data rates on the order
of hundreds of Gbps – an order beyond 5G. Latency might drop
further, into sub-millisecond territory, making communication
virtually instantaneous. 6G might also integrate advanced
computing and sensing functions into the network; for example,
using AI to optimize network traffic in real time, or using radio
signals for precise localization and imaging. Some talk about 6G
enabling science-fiction-like applications such as holographic
communications (real-time hologram calls) or fully immersive
extended reality that truly blends the physical and digital worlds. Of
course, along with these possibilities will come new challenges in
technology and infrastructure, not unlike the jump from 4G to 5G.

For society, the impacts of 5G will become more visible as the technology is adopted at scale.
Just as 4G unleashed the app economy, mobile streaming, and services like ride-sharing, 5G
could drive a new wave of digital innovation. We may see smart cities where traffic, utilities,
and public safety systems are deeply interconnected and responsive. Healthcarecould be
transformed by wearable sensors continuously monitoring patients and AI systems analyzing the
data over 5G in real time, flagging health issues before they become
acute. Transportation might become safer and more efficient with vehicle-to-vehicle
communication preventing accidents and optimizing traffic flow. Industry and supply chains
could become highly automated with 5G connecting robots, vehicles, and inventory systems in
synchronicity. Even daily lifestyle changes – such as far more people working remotely or in
virtual environments – could be enabled by reliable high-bandwidth 5G in homes and offices,
possibly reducing the need for commutes and central office spaces. Some of these changes will
happen gradually, and not all will be directly noticeable to consumers (for example, you might
just experience that everything tech-related feels faster and more responsive). Global economic
impact from 5G is anticipated to be large: studies project that by 2030, 5G will contribute
hundreds of billions (if not trillions) of dollars to global GDP by enabling new products and
efficiencies. Sectors like manufacturing, agriculture, and energy may gain significant
productivity boosts from 5G applications

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.

It’s also worth noting that as 5G becomes ubiquitous, ongoing efforts will be needed to address
the concerns and challenges discussed earlier. This means continuing to research and reassure
on health and safety, strengthening cybersecurity for the 5G/IoT ecosystem, protecting user
privacy, and making the technology sustainable and energy-efficient. The lessons learned from
the initial rollout will likely inform policies – for example, improving how we recycle old
devices, or standardizing security protocols for smart appliances connecting to 5G. In the realm
of governance, international cooperation might increase to harmonize how 5G and future 6G
networks are built and used, since these networks underpin critical global communications.

In conclusion, 5G represents a pivotal advancement in network technology, one that is already

bringing faster connectivity and new capabilities to communities around the world. Its benefits –
from gigabit speeds to ultra-low latency – open the door to innovations in virtually every field of
human activity. At the same time, responsible deployment requires careful consideration
of risks like health myths, privacy and security, and environmental impacts.
The challenges encountered in implementing 5G remind us that progress often comes with
hurdles that must be overcome through investment, regulation, and public engagement. Looking
forward, as 5G becomes entrenched and we push towards 6G, we stand on the cusp of an even
more interconnected era. If guided prudently, these technologies hold the promise of driving
economic growth and improving quality of life – making our world not just more connected, but
potentially smarter, safer, and more sustainable. The coming years will be crucial in fulfilling
5G’s potential and ensuring that its future outlook is one of inclusive and positive
transformation for society.

Sources:

1. Cisco, “What Is 5G?” – Cisco describes 5G as the fifth generation of cellular tech
designed for higher speed and lower latency

cisco.com

2. IBM, “What is 5G?” (2024) – Notes that 5G launched in 2019 with major improvements
in speed, latency, and bandwidth over 4G

ibm.com

ibm.com

.
3. Ericsson Mobility Report (Nov 2024) – Provides statistics on 5G rollout: ~320 networks
launched worldwide and ~55% global population coverage by end of 2024

ericsson.com

, with projections up to 2030

ericsson.com

4. Accenture, “How It Works & Why It Matters – 5G” – Explains that 5G can connect up to
1 million devices per square kilometer, vastly more than 4G

accenture.com

5. Spiceworks, “In the Age of 5G Internet, Is Data Privacy Just a Myth?” (2019) –
Discusses privacy issues: dense 5G cell deployment enables precise location tracking and
massive personal data generation

spiceworks.com

spiceworks.com

, and notes U.S. government concerns about Chinese 5G equipment (Huawei) potentially
enabling espionage

spiceworks.com

6. Reuters – “No link between mobile phones and brain cancer, WHO-backed study
says” (Sept 2024) – Reports that a broad review found no increased brain cancer risk
from mobile phone use despite the rise of 5G and wireless tech

reuters.com

7. World Health Organization (WHO) Q&A, “Radiation: 5G mobile networks and

health” (Feb 2020) – States that after extensive research, no adverse health effect has
been causally linked to exposure from wireless networks (including 5G)
 who.int

8. Business Insider, “5G is being used to perform remote surgery from thousands of miles
away” (Aug 2019) – Describes how surgeons in China conducted the first 5G remote
brain surgery on a patient 1,900 miles away, thanks to 5G’s ~2 ms latency that made it
nearly instantaneous

businessinsider.com

9. Columbia University – State of the Planet blog: “The Coming 5G Revolution: How Will
It Affect the Environment?” (Aug 2020) – Explores 5G’s environmental aspects, noting a
5G small cell can use up to 3× more power than a 4G tower

news.climate.columbia.edu

and warning of e-waste from device upgrades

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, but also highlighting potential energy efficiencies via IoT and remote work

news.climate.columbia.edu

10. Global mobile Suppliers Association (GSA), Spectrum Pricing report (Jan 2024) –
Documents that 5G spectrum auctions reached $140.1 billion in 2021 globally

gsacom.com

, illustrating the high cost operators paid for 5G licenses.