5G Did Not "Fail"

It is not hard to find examples of belief that 5G failed. Perhaps not. Maybe we just have not adjusted to the function of mobile and fixed networks in the internet era.

Keep in mind that the primary function of any fixed or mobile network originally was “voice communications.” In that context, “voice” was the app that the network supported. Ever since 3G, mobile operators have been touting or searching for other key apps they could provide and--more importantly--”own” as they own network voice and text messaging; video services or the internet access function. 

The fundamental problem is that modern networks are not conducive to that sort of “ownership” by access providers. 

The whole point of layered software and networks is to make user-facing apps independent from network functions. That separation of apps from network access means it is fundamentally challenging for any internet service provider to actually have a gatekeeper function over any apps. 

And that, more than anything else, explains why it has been so hard for mobile operators to come up with new apps they are uniquely positioned to “own,” in the same way they are able to “own” voice, messaging, internet access or subscription video services. 

In fact, the main point of next-generation mobile networks is “increase capacity” more than anything else. 3G, 4G and 5G have been profoundly necessary to support increased internet access capacity, in the same way that fixed networks have used fiber to the home to increase interne t access capacity over copper access. 

And that is why all next-generation mobile networks are deemed to have “failed” in the sense of creating new services or apps that mobile operators “own” and “control.” 

The software architecture is designed to separate apps from network access, which makes it difficult for ISPs to own or control new apps. 

Granted, we are early in the 5G era, so it is not yet clear what new use cases and apps might develop. It is fairly safe to say those innovations are unlikely to be created, owned and controlled by mobile operators. 

The software architecture is designed to prevent such control by ISPs.