With global mobile network data traffic doubling in the past two years, the number of 5G subscriptions is slated to cross the 1 billion mark this year, and soar to 4.4 billion by 2027, according to a Mobility Report by Ericsson.
Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) will account for 20% of all mobile data network traffic in 2022, while 60% of global mobile network data traffic is expected to be over 5G networks. Ericsson maintains that North America will lead the world in 5G subscription penetration in the next five years, with nine-of-every-ten subscriptions in the region expected to be 5G in 2027.
The 2027 timeline also includes projections that 5G will account for 82% of subscriptions in Western Europe, 80% in the Gulf Cooperation Council region, and 74 percent in North-East Asia. In India, where 5G deployments have yet to begin, 5G is expected to account for nearly 40% of all subscriptions by 2027.
The traffic growth over the past two years was driven by increased smartphone and mobile broadband usage, as well as the digitalisation of society and industries. The recent statistics and forecasts highlight the strong demand for data connectivity and digital services have, and are expected to have, despite the global Covid-19 pandemic and geopolitical uncertainties.
The June 2022 Ericsson Mobility Report also verifies that 5G is scaling faster than all previous mobile technology generations. About a quarter of the world’s population currently has access to 5G coverage and about 70 million 5G subscriptions were added during the first quarter of 2022 alone. By 2027, about three-quarters of the world’s population will be able to access 5G, according to the report.
“The Mobility Report confirms 5G as the fastest growing mobile technology generation ever, and Ericsson is playing a key role in making it happen,” says Fredrik Jejdling, Ericsson’s Executive Vice-President and Head of Networks.
“We work every day with our customers and ecosystem partners around the world to ensure that millions more people, enterprises, industries, and societies enjoy the benefits of 5G connectivity as soon as possible.”