Manila, Philippines. January 13, 2025– Throughout the remainder of the decade, communications service providers (CSPs) are anticipated to prioritize 5G Standalone (5G SA) and 5G Advanced. These technologies will enable them to focus on delivering value rather than merely increasing data volume. This analysis features prominently among a vast array of statistical network insights presented in the November 2024 edition of the Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) Mobility Report, which extends its forecasting through the end of 2030.



According to the report, the mobile network traffic data rate is expected to grow almost three-fold by the end of 2030 compared to present-day numbers.

The report highlights how early-mover service providers already offer value delivery models based on differentiated connectivity - guaranteed uninterrupted high-end connectivity when needed - to create new monetization and growth opportunities. 

Of about 320 CSPs currently offering commercial 5G services, less than 20 percent are 5G SA. The densification of mid-band and 5G SA sites is seen as a key catalyst to capitalize on the full potential of 5G, including programmable and intelligent network capabilities. 5G mid-band is currently deployed at only about 30 percent of sites globally. Almost 60 percent of the 6.3 billion global 5G subscriptions forecast by the end of 2030 are expected to be 5G Standalone (SA) subscriptions.

On global mobile data traffic, 5G networks are expected to carry about 80 percent of total mobile data traffic by the end of 2030 - compared to 34 percent by the end of 2024.

Globally, Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) is rapidly expanding in popularity, ranking as the second largest 5G application, following enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB).

In four of the six regions, over 80 percent of CSPs now provide FWA. In the past year, the proportion of FWA service providers offering speed-based tariff plans—featuring downlink and uplink data parameters comparable to those of cable or fiber plans—has risen from 30 percent to 43 percent. 

Of the 350 million projected global FWA connections by the end of 2030, almost 80 percent are forecast to be over 5G. 

By the end of the forecast period, 5G subscriptions in Southeast Asia and Oceania are expected to hit approximately 680 million. This growth in Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand can be attributed to enhanced network coverage, rising awareness of 5G, the increasing affordability of 5G devices, and ongoing promotional efforts by service providers.

5G was launched commercially in Vietnam in October 2024. Mature 5G markets such as Australia and Singapore continue to leverage advanced 5G capabilities to deliver new services and use cases. Customized 5G services for businesses are arriving in Australia as service providers conduct trials and offer tailored connectivity solutions. Mobile data traffic per smartphone user in Southeast Asia is expected to grow from 19GB/month in 2024 to 39 GB/month by 2030.

Daniel Ode, Head of Ericsson Singapore, Philippines and Brunei states, “Affordable 5G smartphones, coupled with a maturing 5G ecosystem will fuel the demand for mobile connectivity and data services in the Philippines. Data usage to in the country to grow at a CAGR of 20% between 2023-2029. Accelerated 5G deployment in Philippines can transform consumer experiences and drive the digitalization of enterprises.” 


The report also addresses how AI, including Generative AI Applications already integrated into smartphones, laptops, watches, and FWA products, could impact uplink and downlink network traffic, driving potential mobile traffic growth beyond current baseline predictions.

Other featured report statistics include the projection that global 5G subscriptions will reach almost 2.3 billion by the end of 2024, amounting to 25 percent of all global mobile subscriptions. In 2027, the number of 5 G subscriptions is expected to overtake the number of 4G subscriptions.

The first 6G deployments are expected in 2030, building on and scaling the 5G SA and 5G Advanced capabilities.