Ericsson predicts 5G to dominate global connectivity by 2027 amid rapid expansion

The latest Ericsson Mobility Report reveals that by 2027, 5G will surpass 4G as the primary mobile technology, driven by exponential growth in subscriptions, data traffic, and fixed wireless access worldwide, reshaping the future of mobile connectivity.

The latest Ericsson Mobility Report, published in November 2025, paints a vivid picture of the rapid global transition from 4G to 5G connectivity. Currently, approximately one-third of all mobile subscriptions worldwide are on 5G networks, with the expectation that by 2031, this figure will surge to around two-thirds, equating to about 6.4 billion subscriptions. This rapid expansion marks 5G’s firm establishment as the dominant mobile technology within the next half-decade. The report highlights that by the end of 2025, there will be roughly 2.9 billion 5G subscriptions, underpinning the accelerating adoption of the technology in various regions worldwide.

The transition is not only about increased subscription numbers but also massive growth in mobile data traffic. Between the third quarters of 2024 and 2025, mobile data traffic grew by 20%, with 5G networks handling 43% of all mobile data by the end of 2025, up from 34% the previous year. Monthly global mobile data traffic reached 188 exabytes in late 2025 and is forecast to more than double, reaching 482 exabytes by 2031. Average data consumption per smartphone is also expected to rise significantly, from 21GB per month in 2025 to 39GB by 2031, reflecting the increasing demand for more data-intensive applications and seamless connectivity. For instance, in Western Europe, average monthly data per smartphone will climb from 25GB to 54GB over this period, with total regional mobile data traffic doubling from 12 to 24 exabytes.

Geographically, the report emphasises differentiated regional growth patterns. Western Europe shows strong adoption rates for 5G, with penetration projected to increase from 55% in 2025 to 95% in 2031. Notably, this penetration rate will exceed that of North America by the end of the decade, even though North America currently leads with a 79% penetration in 2025 and is expected to surpass 90% by 2031. Subscription numbers in Europe will nearly double from 307 million to 540 million between 2025 and 2031. The report also indicates robust growth in regions like the Middle East and North Africa, where mobile subscriptions are forecast to grow steadily.

An important facet of the report is the rapid growth of Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) using 5G technology. This form of broadband is emerging as a potent competitor to traditional fixed-line broadband connections due to its flexibility and ease of deployment. Currently, there are approximately 185 million FWA connections worldwide, expected to rise to 350 million by 2031. This expansion will bring 1.4 billion people under the umbrella of wireless broadband services by the end of the decade, with about 90% of FWA coverage expected to leverage 5G technology. Additionally, satellite broadband connections will increase from around 9 million in 2025 to 30 million in 2031, broadening connectivity even in remote or underserved areas.

Beyond smartphones, 5G adoption is driving connectivity in a rapidly diversifying range of devices. Smartwatches equipped with 5G standalone (SA) capability are leading the way, followed by the growing use of smart glasses offering interactive, high-speed experiences. Other device categories such as laptops, electric vehicles, and drones increasingly depend on various 5G connections, signalling a future where 9.5 billion mobile device subscriptions worldwide are projected by 2031. Of those, 6.4 billion will be 5G subscriptions, underlining the technology’s pervasive influence.

The report also sheds light on how the 5G Standalone network architecture is gaining momentum among communications service providers (CSPs). Currently, 33 CSPs offer 65 differentiated connectivity services based on 5G SA network slicing, enabling customisation of network resources to support diverse applications and enterprise needs, which highlights the maturing ecosystem around 5G technology.

Looking forward, Ericsson forecasts that 5G will surpass 4G as the dominant global mobile technology by 2027. This milestone will mark a significant shift in mobile connectivity, resting on the continued evolution of 5G standards and the burgeoning appetite for faster, more reliable, and differentiated network services worldwide.

In conclusion, the comprehensive data from Ericsson’s Mobility Report clearly indicates that 5G is not just growing, it is set to reshape the landscape of global mobile communications in the coming decade. The rapid increase in subscriptions, data traffic, device connectivity, and fixed wireless broadband adoption points to a future where 5G’s enhanced capabilities will underpin a wide array of personal, commercial, and industrial applications at an unprecedented scale.

📌 Reference Map:

• ^[1] MovilZona – Paragraphs 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
• ^[2] Ericsson Mobility Report November 2025 – Paragraphs 1, 2, 5
• ^[3] Ericsson Press Release November 2025 – Paragraphs 7, 8
• ^[4] Ericsson Mobility Report November 2024 – Paragraph 9
• ^[5] Ericsson Mobility Report November 2024 – Paragraph 8
• ^[6] Ericsson Press Release November 2025 – Paragraphs 7, 8
• ^[7] Ericsson Press Release November 2025 – Paragraphs 7, 8

Source: Fuse Wire Services