The number of 5G subscriptions worldwide is expected to exceed 5.3 billion by the end of 2029.
Despite ongoing economic challenges and geopolitical turmoil in some markets, Ericsson estimates that by the end of 2023, nearly one-fifth of global mobile subscriptions will be 5G subscriptions. The data is included in the November 2023 Ericsson Mobility Report, which estimates that the 2023 calendar year will add 6100 million 5G subscriptions – a 63% increase from 2022 and bringing the global total to 1.6 billion, about 100 million more than previously**.
Since its launch in 2011, the report has been the industry reference for network data, performance, statistics, and **.
The latest report, edition 25, extends the new timeline for statistics** from 2028 to 2029. In line with recent releases, the November 2023 report identifies enhanced mobile broadband, fixed wireless access, gaming, and AR VR-based services as the most common early consumer use cases for 5G.
On the regional front, growth in 5G subscriptions in North America remains strong. The region is expected to have the highest 5G subscription penetration in the world by the end of 2023 at 61%. Throughout 2023, India has also seen strong growth in 5G subscriptions. In the 14th month after the commercial launch – at the end of 2023 – India's 5G penetration rate is expected to exceed 11%.
More and more 5G standalone networks are expected to be deployed.
Over the six years between the end of 2023 and 2029, global 5G subscriptions are expected to grow by more than 330% – from 1.6 billion to 5.3 billion. By the end of 2023, more than 45% of the world's population is expected to have access to 5G coverage, and by the end of 2029, this proportion will reach 85%. North America and the GCC are expected to have the highest regional 5G penetration by the end of 2029, at 92% each. Western Europe is expected to follow closely at 85 per cent.
Frederick Jedlin, Executive Vice President and Head of Networks, Ericsson, said: "The 600 million new 5G subscriptions worldwide this year, with growth in every region, demonstrate the strong demand for high-performance connectivity. The rollout of 5G continues, and we are seeing more and more 5G standalone deployments, which presents an opportunity to support new, more anspruchs applications for both consumers and enterprises. ”
The global average data consumption per smartphone continues to grow. Total mobile data traffic is expected to triple by the end of 2023 and the end of 2029, driven by factors such as improved device capabilities, increased data-intensive content, and continued improvements in deployed network performance.
Indoor and outdoor 5G mid-band coverage needs to be expanded.
Peter Johnson, Executive Editor-in-Chief of the Ericsson Mobility Report, said: "The rate at which data in mobile networks is growing is a clear reflection of consumer enthusiasm for enhanced mobile broadband-related applications. This trend will accelerate as more consumers around the world embrace 5G and new use cases emerge, further driving the growth of data traffic. Since most traffic is generated indoors, and people typically spend most of their time indoors, it is necessary to expand indoor and outdoor 5G mid-band coverage to ensure a full 5G experience in all locations. ”
5G mid-band strikes a balance between high capacity and good coverage, making it ideal for delivering a full 5G experience. Global 5G mid-band population coverage is now over 40%, up from 30% in 2022. This growth was primarily driven by large-scale IF deployments in India, but also by IF deployments in Europe.
The report also examines wireless connectivity in manufacturing, how 5G is a key determinant of production output, and how 5G can help enable the agility needed to support rapid change and resource reallocation.
Southeast Asia Highlights.
By the end of 2029, 5G subscriptions in Southeast Asia and Oceania will reach about 5500 million. In addition to creating an initial 5G infrastructure in the region, the service provider's focus is on enriching the service offering for consumers and businesses. Improving customer experience, expanding network coverage, and driving digital transformation across the region remain top priorities across the region.
Mobile data traffic per smartphone in Southeast Asia and Oceania continues to grow strongly, with it expected to grow from 24 GB per month in 2023 to approximately 66 GB per month in 2029, at a CAGR of 19%.
The November 2023 Ericsson Mobility Report consists of three main texts:
Large-scale 5G SA deployments will drive digital transformation in India.
The need for indoor connectivity is driving the need for performance improvements.
5G agility in gigafactories and green steel plants.
Related Text: Ericsson Mobility Report Update: Global 5G Subscriptions Approached 1.3 Billion in Q2 2023.
The world is ready for 5G: Ericsson Mobility Report.
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