5G landed in 2019 with sci-fi promises: remote surgeries and driverless cars. Six years later, the reality is more down-to-earth. Speeds have improved, but the leap over 4G isn't as radical for everyday use. That said, in urban areas with good coverage, we already notice a smoother experience when downloading or watching videos.
Real speeds and latency: what 5G offers today 📶
In Spain, with optimal coverage, downloads range between 150 and 500 Mbps, compared to 30-100 Mbps for 4G. Latency sits between 15 and 30 ms, enough for cloud gaming or stable video calls, though far from the mythical 1 ms promised. Where it does make a difference is in 5G FWA, which brings 100-300 Mbps to homes without fiber, replacing the aging ADSL in a practical and direct way.
Remote surgeries: the scalpel that never reached your home 🏥
Remember that thing about operating on a patient remotely with 5G? Well, it's still easier to order a pizza than to get a transplant via video call. The self-driving car hasn't made it to your building's garage either. Meanwhile, at least we can download a series in seconds and show off coverage on a bar terrace. The revolution is waiting, but the scrolling is smooth.