Global mobile data traffic will triple in the next six years, according to a new report from Ericsson.
The Ericsson Mobility Report also forecasts that global 5G subscriptions will reach 5.3 billion by the end of the decade, while smartphone data consumption will more than double from 21GB/month this year to 56GB/month by 2029. Additionally, 85% of the global population is expected to have 5G coverage by the end of the decade.
The uptake of 5G subscriptions in North America remains strong, according to the report. By the end of this year, North America is expected to have the highest 5G subscription penetration globally at 61%.
Between this year and 2029, global 5G subscriptions are forecast to increase by more than 330% – from 1.6 billion to 5.3 billion, while 5G is forecast to be available to nearly half (45%) of the global population by the end of 2023 and 85% by the end of 2029. North America and the Gulf Cooperation Council are forecast to have the highest regional 5G penetration rates by the end of 2029 – 92%.
In a press release, researchers also noted that “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 now stands at more than 40%, up from 30% in 2022.
“With more than 600 million 5G subscriptions added globally this year, and rising in every region, it is evident that the demand for high performance connectivity is strong,” Fredrik Jejdling, Ericsson executive vice president and head of networks, said in a prepared statement. “The roll-out out of 5G continues and we see an increasing number of 5G standalone networks being deployed, bringing opportunities to support new and more demanding applications for both consumers and enterprises.”
Last year’s Ericsson Mobility Report forecast 1 billion 5G subscriptions globally by the end of this year, a forecast that appears to be accurate or even on the low side.
