Global 5G Subscriptions to Reach 2.3 Billion by End of 2024

The November 2024 edition of the Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) Mobility Report forecasts that global 5G subscriptions will reach nearly 2.3 billion by the end of 2024, accounting for 25% of all mobile subscriptions worldwide. By 2027, 5G subscriptions are expected to surpass 4G globally, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of mobile connectivity. The report, which extends its forecast to 2030, highlights the rapid growth of 5G networks and their impact on the telecom industry.

In the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, mobile subscriptions are projected to grow by 2% annually between 2024 and 2030, reaching 830 million. As telecom providers shift from 2G and 3G networks to allocate spectrum for 4G and 5G, the region’s mobile landscape is set for transformation. By 2030, 4G is expected to account for 37% of subscriptions, while 5G will lead with a 60% share, driven by growing consumer demand, the expansion of network availability, and increasingly affordable devices.

The report features a case study on Saudi Telecom Company (stc), which implemented a multi-New Radio (NR) carrier strategy in 2020 to enhance 5G user experiences. This approach uses Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) and Time Division Duplex (TDD) carrier aggregation to expand 5G coverage, improve network capacity, and support higher peak data rates. Håkan Cervell, Vice President and Head of Customer Unit stc, Saudi Arabia and Egypt at Ericsson Middle East and Africa, emphasized Ericsson’s commitment to advancing connectivity and innovation in line with Saudi Vision 2030, delivering exceptional 5G experiences across the region.

Globally, 5G Standalone (5G SA) and 5G Advanced technologies are becoming priorities for communications service providers (CSPs). Although only 20% of the 320 CSPs currently offering 5G services operate 5G SA networks, this is expected to grow significantly. By 2030, almost 60% of the anticipated 6.3 billion global 5G subscriptions will be standalone, unlocking advanced programmable and intelligent network capabilities. The report also projects that the first 6G deployments will emerge in 2030, building on the capabilities of 5G SA and 5G Advanced.

Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) continues to gain traction as the second-largest 5G use case after enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB). The report also examines how emerging technologies, including generative AI integrated into smartphones, laptops, watches, and FWA devices, could drive significant uplink and downlink network traffic growth, reshaping global connectivity trends.

The Ericsson Mobility Report provides a comprehensive analysis of global telecom trends, highlighting the growing influence of 5G, the strategic shift towards standalone networks, and the transformative potential of next-generation technologies.