02 October, 2020

5G sentiment study

5G roll-out: Europeans are aware and positive

IPSOS found that virtually all Europeans (96%) are aware of 5G, with 1 in 4 declaring that they know the technology “very well”. There are also major age differences, with younger generations (<34 y.o.) being more informed than older ones.

In terms of attitudes, 54% Europeans are “positive” about 5G, while 36% declare themselves “neutral”. Interviewees aged 18-34 are also significantly more positive about 5G compared to other generations. What is more, positive attitudes appear to correlate with better awareness and information.

Disinformation: gaining traction?

While the majority of Europeans is positive towards 5G, 10% of those interviewed hold a negative view on this technology. IPSOS also tested some “5G myths” and found that while a small minority believes in them, a substantial amount of Europeans isn’t sure that they are false either. For example, 21% of those interviewed believe it is true that “5G is harmless to bees”, with 63% being unsure what to make of the statement and only 16% believing it is false.

Governments – and telcos – are expected to speak up

IPSOS found that 1 in 3 respondents gets their 5G information from social media, but that the most trusted sources of information are technology websites, telecom companies and governments respectively. Social media and advertisement are the least trusted sources. What is more, only 8% of the respondents learned about 5G from government sources, with over 40% citizens saying they are “not satisfied” with government communication on 5G.

In addition, when measuring the impact of communication, IPSOS found that “government and telecom operators have the highest impact on attitude towards 5G”, signalling that both are expected to speak up more.

Businesses are eager to take up 5G

Europeans are also clear that they expect 5G to make a major difference for the economy, with 85% of those interviewed thinking that “5G is important for business”. What is more, among those interviewees who hold managerial responsibility in their big and small companies, 51% said they “intend to implement 5G” in their company.