The internet is a brilliant tool for learning, connecting, and exploring. But it’s also a breeding ground for misinformation, especially when it comes to emerging technologies. One of the most misunderstood innovations in recent years? 5G.

From wild conspiracy theories to everyday misconceptions, 5G has been at the centre of a lot of confusion. So let’s clear the air. Here are some of the most common myths about 5G, and the facts that set the record straight.

Yes, speed is a big part of the 5G story, but it’s not the whole story.

5G offers ultra-low latency (that’s the delay between sending and receiving data), which opens the door to real-time applications like autonomous vehicles, remote surgeries, and immersive AR/VR experiences. It’s also designed to support massive device connectivity, which is essential for smart cities and the growing Internet of Things (IoT).

So while your phone will be faster, the real magic of 5G lies in how it transforms industries, not just downloads.

This one’s half true.

To access 5G, you do need a 5G-compatible device. But that doesn’t mean your current tech becomes obsolete overnight. 4G and 3G networks are still active and will continue to support older devices for the foreseeable future.

Many newer phones already come with 5G built-in, even mid-range models. So when you’re ready to upgrade, chances are you’ll be 5G-ready without even trying.

It’s true that 5G requires more infrastructure than previous generations, but that doesn’t mean cities are being flooded with towers.

5G uses a mix of high, mid, and low-frequency bands. High-frequency (or mmWave) bands need more antennas because they cover shorter distances. But low and mid bands can travel further and penetrate buildings better, reducing the need for dense tower placement.

Plus, many 5G antennas are being integrated into existing infrastructure, like streetlights and buildings, making the rollout more efficient and less intrusive than people think.

This was a concern early on, and to be fair, some first-gen 5G devices did struggle with battery life, today’s 5G tech is much more efficient.

Modern chipsets are designed to manage power better, and networks are smarter about when and how they connect. In fact, 5G can be more energy-efficient than 4G when handling large amounts of data. So if you’re using a recent device, battery drain shouldn’t be a major issue.

Security is always a valid concern with any new tech. But 5G actually improves on previous generations in several ways. It includes enhanced encryption, better identity management, and more robust network slicing (which allows different services to run on isolated parts of the network). These features make it harder for bad actors to intercept or manipulate data.

Of course, no system is perfect. But 5G is built with security in mind, and it’s a step forward, not backward.

At Otto, we’re passionate about how technology shapes the future of business and society. 5G is more than just a buzzword—it’s a foundation for innovation, efficiency, and smarter ways of working.

But we also know that tech only works when it works for people. That’s why we focus on human-first IT solutions making technology more intuitive, more secure, and more empowering for your team.

Got questions about 5G or how it fits into your business? Let’s chat.