According to the Ericsson Mobility Report, India is expected to be the fastest-growing 5G region globally. By the end of 2022, 5G subscriptions in India reached approximately 10 million and are projected to account for about 57 percent of mobile subscriptions in the country by the end of 2028. The launch of 5G services in October 2022 has led to significant network deployments in India under the Digital India initiative.
Despite geopolitical challenges and a macroeconomic slowdown in some markets, communication service providers worldwide are still investing in 5G, as stated in the June 2023 edition of the Ericsson Mobility Report. The report also reveals that global 5G subscriptions are expected to surpass 1.5 billion by the end of 2023.
In North America, the uptake of 5G subscriptions has exceeded previous forecasts, with a 41 percent global subscription penetration at the end of 2022, the highest among regions.
Global mobile network data traffic is continuously increasing, with average monthly smartphone usage expected to exceed 20GB by the end of 2023.
The adoption of 5G technology has resulted in positive revenue growth for communication service providers in leading 5G markets. Over the past two years, the introduction of 5G in the top twenty markets has boosted revenues by seven percent, indicating a strong correlation between 5G subscription increase and service revenue.
Globally, around 240 communication service providers have launched commercial 5G services, and approximately 35 have deployed or launched 5G standalone (SA). The most common 5G services offered to consumers are enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), Fixed Wireless Access (FWA), gaming, and AR/VR-based services such as training and education.
The report also highlights the impact of 5G on mobile service packaging. Many communication service providers now offer bundles that include popular entertainment services like television, music streaming, or cloud gaming platforms. Currently, about 58 percent of 5G service providers offer such bundles in various forms.
By 2028, it is estimated that 5G will account for almost 80 percent of all FWA connections, according to Ericsson.
