Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) estimates that almost one-in-five of all global mobile subscriptions will be 5G subscriptions by the end of 2023, as the growth proves resilient despite continued economic challenges and geopolitical unrest in some markets. The November 2023 edition of the Ericsson Mobility Report estimates that there will be 610 million new 5G subscriptions for the calendar year 2023 – a 63 percent increase on 2022. This increase will bring the global total to 1.6 billion, about 100 million more than previously predicted.
The latest report – the twenty-fifth edition – has a new upper timeline for statistical forecasts, moving from 2028 to 2029. The November 2023 report confirms enhanced mobile broadband, fixed wireless access, gaming, and AR/VR-based services as the most common early consumer use cases for 5G. In line with recent editions, highlight this information.
Regionally, the uptake of 5G subscriptions in North America continues to be strong. By the end of 2023, experts anticipate that the region will achieve the highest global 5G subscription penetration, reaching 61 percent. 5G subscription growth has also been strong in India throughout 2023. At the end of 2023 – fourteen months after its commercial launch – 5G penetration expects to have topped 11 percent in India.
Between the end of 2023 and 2029, global 5G subscriptions are forecast to increase by more than 330 percent. This growth expects to increase the number from 1.6 billion to 5.3 billion. By the end of 2023, more than 45 percent of the global population is forecasted to have access to 5G coverage. It is expected to reach 85 percent by the end of 2029. By the end of 2029, analysts anticipate that North America and the Gulf Cooperation Council will boast the highest regional 5G penetration rates. Moreover, project that the anticipated rates for both regions will reach 92 percent. Forecasters predict that Western Europe will achieve an 85 percent penetration.
Fredrik Jejdling, Executive Vice President and Head of Networks, Ericsson, says: “Global additions of 5G subscriptions this year have surpassed 600 million, increasing in every region. It is evident that the demand for high-performance connectivity is strong. The roll-out of 5G continues. An increasing number of organizations are deploying 5G standalone networks. Moreover, this brings opportunities to support new and more demanding applications for both consumers and enterprises.”
The global average data consumption per smartphone keeps growing. Mobile data traffic is expected to triple between the end of 2023 and the end of 2029. Factors such as enhanced device capabilities, a rise in data-intensive content, and ongoing improvements in deployed network performance contribute to this growth.
Peter Jonsson, Executive Editor, Ericsson Mobility Report, Ericsson, says: “The rate of data growth in mobile networks clearly reflects consumers’ passion. This passion specifically pertains to applications related to enhanced mobile broadband. This trend will increase in pace as more consumers worldwide embrace 5G and new use cases emerge, triggering further growth in data traffic. People typically generate most traffic indoors, where they spend most of their time. There is a growing need to extend 5G mid-band coverage both indoors and outdoors. This is to ensure a comprehensive 5G experience in all locations.“
5G mid-band combines high capacity with good coverage, making it an ideal choice for delivering the full 5G experience. Global 5G mid-band population coverage is currently more than 40 percent, an increase from 30 percent in 2022. Large mid-band deployments in India primarily drive the increase, along with several mid-band deployments in Europe.
The report explores wireless connectivity for the manufacturing industry. It delves into how 5G is becoming a key determinant of production output. Additionally, it highlights how 5G enables the agility required to support rapid changes and reallocation of resources.
The November 2023 Ericsson Mobility Report includes three in-depth articles:
- Large-scale 5G SA deployment to drive digital transformation in India.
- Demand for indoor connectivity driving the need for enhanced performance.
- 5G-enabled agility in gigafactories and green steel plants
Ericsson will host an Ericsson Mobility Report webinar at 9.00 (CET) and at 18.00 (CET) on Thursday, November 30. To join please register here
Read the full November 2023 Ericsson Mobility Report
The Ericsson Mobility Report has been the key industry reference source for network data, performance, statistics, and forecasts. It has held this status since its launch in 2011. Moreover, based on unique Ericsson and partner global network insights.
