The availability of the 5G Wi-Fi network provides gamers with high-speed internet, allowing for a more enjoyable gaming experience.

However, some countries are struggling to successfully leverage 5G, including the Republic of Ireland. 

The latest report from Opensignal makes for a grim reading. Ireland ranks 38th for average download speed in a league table of 56 developed and developing countries.

In terms of 5G availability, the Emerald Isle is languishing in 49th place despite boasting a tech-savvy population. Read on as we look at the potential implications for the gaming sector.

The Problem of High-Speed Internet in a Booming Industry

Despite having a landscape brimming with game development studios, eSports organisations and a passionate gaming community, Ireland is struggling to provide suitable internet connectivity.

Gaming relies heavily on fast internet. Games such as Valorant and Fortnite and immersive cloud-based titles such as Xbox Cloud Gaming and GeForce Now demand low latency to function with a high degree of consistency and banish lags.

Ireland’s average 5G speed of 155.8Mbps looks decent on paper, but inconsistent availability - just 9.2 percent of the time – creates a frustrating gaming environment.

Without reliable, high-speed internet, both casual gamers and high-profile investors looking to pour significant capital into the industry could be discouraged.

With a frustrating 5G experience, Ireland’s gaming market is thriving. Imagine the heights it could reach if the country places an emphasis on high-speed internet connection.

Reliable 5G connectivity is crucial for game performance. The technology offers ultra-low latency, which is crucial for fast-paced multiplayer games where even milliseconds are pivotal. 

It also paves the way for seamless streaming for cloud gaming services, removing the need for expensive hardware by hosting games on powerful remote servers.

Online Casinos Are Also Feeling the Heat

Ireland’s 5G shortcomings extend to the digital entertainment space, and the casino industry is already feeling the heat.

The top online casinos in Ireland thrive on providing real-time experiences such as live dealer games, interactive slot machines and competitive poker tournaments.

Any slight delay can disrupt gameplay, which is bad for business as frustrated players could be forced to consider other options.

Ireland’s 5G infrastructure puts its online casinos at a disadvantage against competitors in regions with faster and more reliable networks. 

5G network is both faster and more accessible in countries such as the United States, so its platforms can offer a streamlined gaming experience that lures high rollers.

Ireland’s 5G issues could hinder them from fully adopting features such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technology.

If that happens, online casino operators may struggle to keep up with global trends, potentially losing market share to more tech-savvy competitors.

Ireland Must Take Inspiration from the US

Countries with robust 5G infrastructure are already reaping the rewards. US users are connected to 5G networks over 30% of the time, so it is unsurprising that the country is thriving in cloud gaming.

Ireland’s ranking paints a worrying picture when compared to the US, which outpaces the Emerald Isle with average speeds of 178.2 Mbps and far superior 5G availability at 30%. 

In a gaming industry increasingly defined by real-time interaction, these metrics carry significant importance.

Mobile gaming alone accounts for over 50% of global gaming revenues. Gamers now demand seamless performance, and the US offers a compelling comparison.

American carriers have ensured that gamers and businesses can enjoy a superior user experience by prioritising 5G deployment in highly populated areas and creating incentives for private investment.

This advantage is not just about speed - greater 5G availability means that gamers are rarely forced to rely on slower, less stable 4G networks. 

By contrast, Ireland’s users spend only 9.2% of their time on 5G networks, a glaring disadvantage for any activity requiring consistent, high-speed connectivity.

The gap between the US and Ireland is both a technical and economic issue. Gaming has evolved from a mere hobby to a $300 billion global industry.

If Ireland cannot provide reliable 5G access, the country risks missing out on lucrative opportunities.

Gamers may turn to regions with better infrastructure, leaving Irish developers, advertisers and digital platforms struggling to keep pace.

Ireland must take inspiration from their American counterparts. Their lagging 5G landscape limits certain opportunities, leaving frustrated users and developers hesitant to fully explore the potential of 5G-enabled gaming experiences.