Does this mean a real possibility for user-defined, community 5G networks? If so, that could usher in a new age of mesh networks to democratize the long-range wireless network space. If the hardware is cheap and a protocol were used that's anonymous and encrypted by default, this could be a game changer.

From an idealistic newbie's perspective, I imagine the possibility of users buying routers with this tech, plugging them into their fiber or copper connection, and creating or expanding an existing 5G meshnet + a home net. Maybe it could drastically drop costs for 5G network operators as they wouldn't need to put up extra receivers anywhere. They could simply offload that burden to the consumer. Most routers are lent out anyway, so not only would they make money, consumers wouldn't need to worry about which operator they chose because they'd all be in the same meshnet anyway.

But eh... I'm sure there's some big thing I'm missing besides human greed.