Why it might be Time to Upgrade to 5G: A Radio Engineer’s Perspective

For years, the conversation around 5G has been dominated by future promises—higher speeds, lower latency, and the transformation of industries. But today, the conversation has changed. We are no longer talking about what 5G will do—we are witnessing what it is doing. The time for upgrading from 4G to 5G is now, and here’s why.

The 3G Shutdown and Network Congestion

Around the world, mobile operators are shutting down 3G networks to repurpose spectrum for 4G and 5G. In countries like the US, Australia, New Zealand and across Europe, the 3G sunset is already well underway. This shift has two major consequences:

1. More spectrum for 4G and 5G – Spectrum once used for 3G is being reallocated to enhance network performance, leading to better speeds and lower latency.
2. 4G network congestion – With 3G disappearing, older devices are forced to rely on 4G, adding more strain to LTE networks.

For businesses and individuals relying on cellular connectivity, staying on 4G is no longer just a matter of missing out on 5G’s benefits—it’s about risking declining performance as networks shift their priorities.

Real-World Speeds vs. Theoretical Speeds: Why 5G is the Better Option

While 5G’s theoretical speeds are impressive, real-world performance is influenced by network conditions, congestion, and carrier implementation. A device rated for gigabit speeds may not always reach those numbers in practical use, but having a 5G-capable device ensures better performance compared to 4G-only alternatives.

The Role of LTE Categories in Performance

Not all 4G connections are equal. LTE is divided into different categories that define its speed, bandwidth, and overall capability. Older LTE categories (such as CAT4 or CAT6) have lower speeds and fewer carrier aggregation capabilities, meaning they struggle more in congested networks.

Most Teltonika 5G routers, such as the RUTX50, offer LTE CAT20 fallback, which means that even in areas where 5G is unavailable, the device can achieve significantly higher speeds than lower LTE categories. CAT20 supports carrier aggregation across multiple bands, allowing it to optimise available spectrum and maintain a more stable, higher-speed connection even in congested areas.

By upgrading to a 5G-capable device with LTE CAT20 fallback, businesses ensure they always get the best available performance, whether on 5G or advanced LTE networks.

A Case Against Common Hesitations About 5G

“5G is Too Expensive”

Cost has often been a sticking point for 5G adoption. But today, affordable 5G routers like the Teltonika RUTM51 are bridging the gap. With rapid technological advancements, 5G hardware is now priced comparably to most 4G solutions out there.

When you factor in the performance, reliability, and longevity of 5G routers, the return on investment far outweighs any short-term savings from sticking to 4G.

“5G Coverage is Still Limited”

Another common concern about 5G adoption is network coverage. While 5G is rapidly expanding, most 5G devices seamlessly fall back to 4G where needed. This means you get the best of both worlds—5G speeds where available and 4G coverage where necessary.

Additionally, 5G technology is designed for longevity. Upgrading to 5G now means your infrastructure is prepared for:

• Further advancements in 5G networks – Including improved SA (Standalone) 5G deployments.
• New applications and use cases – As AI, edge computing, and private 5G networks evolve.
• Extended device lifecycles – Modern 5G routers and gateways, especially ours at Teltonika, are built to last through multiple technology cycles, meaning the investment pays you back by doubling the lifespan and relevance of your router.

The Benefits of 5G Over 4G

5G isn’t just about faster speeds—it introduces network efficiency, lower latency, and improved reliability that make it ideal for a whole host of modern connectivity needs.

The Benefit of Greater Capacity & Why Network Congestion Matters

5G can handle far more simultaneous connections than 4G, which is crucial in congested areas such as city centres, transport hubs, and industrial sites. When too many devices are connected to a 4G network, speeds drop, latency increases, and connections become unreliable (or fail completely). This isn’t just an issue for robots and self-driving cars, it’s an issue for all businesses that depend on reliable data transfer, payment systems, cloud-based applications and critical communications. 

By contrast, 5G’s ability to manage higher device density ensures that connections remain stable and efficient, even in high-traffic environments.

Lower Latency

5G significantly reduces response times, making real-time applications like remote monitoring and industrial automation more effective.

Better Energy Efficiency

5G networks are designed to use less power per bit of data transmitted, making them more sustainable for large-scale IoT deployments.

Network Slicing

Businesses can reserve dedicated portions of the 5G network for critical applications, ensuring stable performance even during peak usage.

5G RedCap: The Game Changer for IoT and Mid-Range Devices

One of the biggest hesitations around 5G adoption has been the perceived need for high-performance (and high-cost) solutions. That changes with 5G RedCap (Reduced Capability). RedCap brings a middle ground between 4G LTE and full-fledged 5G, offering lower power consumption and cost while still delivering key 5G benefits like lower latency and improved network efficiency.

For industries like logistics, utilities, and industrial IoT—where 5G’s speeds aren’t always necessary—RedCap enables a practical path forward. 5G adoption is no longer just for high-end applications but for a broad range of connected systems. The RUT271 and RUT976 are ideal for mid-range applications that don’t need full-scale 5G speeds but still benefit from its reliability and efficiency.

Final Thoughts: It’s Time to Consider an Upgrade

With 3G networks shutting down, 4G networks becoming more congested, and 5G reaching affordability and maturity, the transition to 5G for many industries is no longer a question of if but when.

From RedCap opening up new use cases, to affordable 5G routers with LTE CAT20 fallback in mass production, 5G is more than just faster speeds—it’s the foundation for your next era of connectivity.

Whether you’re a business ensuring operational continuity, an IoT provider updating your deployments, upgrading to 5G now is an option worth seriously considering.

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