5G subscriptions set to hit 2.9 billion as FWA gains commercial traction: Ericsson Mobility Report

The most recent Ericsson Mobility Report reveals that Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) powered by 5G is rapidly becoming an essential revenue-generating tool for communication service providers (CSPs) around the globe. With expectations for 5G subscriptions to reach an impressive 2.9 billion by year’s end, operators are increasingly adopting speed-based pricing models to rival traditional fibre and cable services. The report indicates that over 80% of CSPs worldwide are now offering FWA services, with a notable 51% introducing speed-based plans—up from 40% just one year prior. This trend is particularly gaining momentum in regions such as North America, Europe, and the Middle East. By the year 2030, FWA is projected to comprise over 35% of all new fixed broadband connections, translating to an estimated 350 million lines. Erik Ekudden, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at Ericsson, stated, “Service providers are beginning to tap into the potential of 5G, exploring innovative offerings that go beyond traditional data plans.” He emphasized the importance of continuing to deploy standalone 5G (5G SA) and expanding mid-band infrastructure to fully harness 5G’s capabilities. India is emerging as a global leader in this 5G transition, with projections estimating that 5G subscriptions will soar to 290 million by the end of 2024, accounting for 24% of the mobile user base. This figure is expected to climb to 980 million by 2030. Currently, Indian users consume an average of 32 GB of data monthly—the highest in the world—which is anticipated to double to 62 GB by 2030. The rapid growth in India is bolstered by a strong mid-band 5G network, achieving 95% population coverage by the end of last year, in stark contrast to 50% coverage in Europe and over 90% in North America. The availability of mid-band spectrum allows telecommunications companies to deliver both extensive coverage and high-capacity networks, crucial for enhancing user experience. Nitin Bansal, Managing Director of Ericsson India, expressed pride in supporting India’s digital transformation through robust 4G and 5G infrastructure established in collaboration with local CSPs. This partnership is vital for fostering connectivity and promoting inclusive growth. Beyond mere connectivity, CSPs are actively investigating 5G-enabled applications across various industries, including broadcasting, retail, gaming, and enterprise productivity. By the end of 2024, 5G networks are expected to carry 35% of global mobile traffic, with projections indicating this could rise to 80% by 2030.