According to a recent Ericsson report, global mobile data traffic is projected to increase by nearly 200% by 2030, despite a temporary slowdown in growth rates. By the end of the decade, there will be approximately 6.3 billion 5G subscriptions worldwide, with 60% expected to include Standalone 5G services.
The report emphasizes that communication service providers (CSPs) will focus on 5G Standalone and 5G Advanced technologies, introducing new capabilities to enhance value beyond merely increasing data volume. Although the mobile data traffic growth rate is expected to slow to 21% year-on-year in 2024, it is anticipated to triple by 2030.
Case studies from T-Mobile (USA) and Eliza (Finland) illustrate how CSPs are already offering differentiated connectivity plans that ensure uninterrupted service when needed, creating new monetization opportunities. As the industry evolves, service differentiation and performance-based opportunities are becoming increasingly vital.
Furthermore, the report highlights the potential for differentiated connectivity, with only about 30% of global sites (excluding China) currently offering mid-band 5G services. Less than 20% of the approximately 320 CSPs currently provide 5G Standalone services, indicating significant room for growth.
By 2030, it is expected that 80% of total mobile data traffic will be carried over 5G networks, up from 34% by the end of 2024. Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) services are also gaining popularity, with a significant rise in CSPs offering competitive plans.
As the global landscape shifts towards advanced connectivity, the role of AI, including Generative AI applications, is anticipated to influence network traffic and improve service delivery. The report projects nearly 2.3 billion global 5G subscriptions by the end of this year, constituting 25% of all mobile subscriptions.
Looking ahead, the first implementations of 6G are expected by 2030, building on the infrastructure of 5G Standalone and 5G Advanced technologies.