The number of 5G subscribers in India saw a phenomenal increase, skyrocketing from 10 million in 2022 to 119 million by the end of last year. This substantial growth reflects the rapid adoption and deployment of 5G technology nationwide.
According to the Ericsson Mobility Report, global communications service providers (CSPs) increasingly leverage 5G networks to offer fixed wireless access (FWA) services. Of 310 CSPs sampled for the study, 241 confirmed they provided 5G-based FWA services as of April 2024. Approximately 128 CSPs have embraced FWA services, marking a 29 percent growth from 2022 to 2023.
Network providers worldwide primarily utilize 5G networks to deliver enhanced mobile broadband and fixed wireless access. However, the transition to standalone 5G networks remains limited, with only 50 out of 300 CSPs globally implementing this advanced technology. This suggests that most providers have yet to fully harness 5 G’s full potential.
Researchers also predict a significant increase in 5G users, estimating around 5.6 billion by the end of 2029, accounting for 60 percent of all mobile subscriptions. North America is expected to achieve high 5G penetration during this period. In India, 5G subscribers will surge from 119 million to 840 million in the next five years.
The Ericsson report also highlights a substantial rise in data consumption per smartphone in India. The average data usage is expected to grow from 29 GB per month to 68 GB per month by the end of 2029. Although LTE technology will remain prevalent, the number of 4G subscribers in India is anticipated to decline from 740 million to 410 million over the next five years.
In the first quarter of 2024, approximately 160 million new users transitioned to 5G, bringing the global total to 1.7 billion 5G users. This number is expected to reach 5.6 billion by the end of 2029, showcasing the accelerating pace of 5G adoption worldwide.
The rapid expansion of 5G networks and services demonstrates the growing reliance on this advanced technology to meet the increasing demand for high-speed connectivity. As CSPs continue to innovate and expand their 5G offerings, consumers can expect enhanced mobile experiences and greater access to high-speed internet services.