The Q4 2022 update of the Ericsson Mobility Report has announced that there are now over one billion global 5G subscriptions, marking a significant milestone in the telecom industry. The one billion mark was reached at the end of 2022, with 136 million new subscriptions added between October and December of that year.
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The report also reveals that 235 communication service providers (CSPs) have implemented commercial 5G services, with about 35 CSPs deploying or launching 5G standalone (SA) networks. The Q4 update is an appendix to the full report released in November 2022, which includes retrospective stats up to the third financial quarter of 2022.
In addition, the Q4 update provides other essential statistics such as the number of mobile subscriptions, new subscriptions in specific regions, unique mobile subscribers, network traffic data, and others. According to the report, mobile broadband accounts for approximately 86% of all mobile subscriptions, and 4G subscriptions increased by 36 million from October to the end of December 2022, reaching around 5.1 billion, which constitutes 60% of all mobile subscriptions.
As the demand for fast and reliable connectivity increases, the growth of 5G subscriptions is expected to continue. The rollout of 5G standalone networks, which provide faster speeds and lower latency, will unlock more potential applications for 5G technology. However, service providers would need to invest continually in network infrastructure to support the growing number of mobile subscribers and the increasing demand for data-intensive applications.
Interference from 5G can affect aircraft equipment, according to experts. United Airlines CEO also warned about a catastrophic failure due to the new communication standard. The FAA recommended reviewing flight manuals to address the issue. Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association dismissed interference concerns while FAA specialists noted ongoing evaluations of specific situations and areas where the use of technology may affect equipment. The debate over 5G and airline safety remains unresolved, causing potential delays for passengers.
US Federal Communications Commission organized an auction for the sale of 5G frequencies in the range of 3.7-4 GHz. The auction raised a record-breaking $69.8 billion, with the participation of leading US telecoms companies Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. Many participated in auctions for the allocation of 5G frequencies, including small regional mobile operators. Analysts predict that licenses for the use of the C band will cost between $0.20 and $0.50 per 1 MHz, while the average nationwide price per 1 MHz was $0.81 after 45 rounds.
The Ericsson Mobility Report delves into the drivers behind the rapid increase in 5G subscriptions, such as the expansion of 5G networks, the availability of 5G-capable devices, and the demand for higher data speeds and lower latency. Additionally, it may explore the potential applications of 5G across industries like healthcare, manufacturing, and transportation, as well as the ways in which 5G is reshaping consumer experiences and digital lifestyles. The report may also discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with the widespread adoption of 5G technology.
Global 5G subscriptions are rapidly growing as the technology is being deployed in many countries around the world. 5G offers faster data speeds, lower latency, and the ability to connect more devices simultaneously, making it a key driver for advancements in various industries such as autonomous vehicles, augmented reality, and the Internet of Things. As a result, there is significant competition among telecom companies to roll out 5G networks and attract subscribers. The number of 5G subscriptions is expected to continue to increase as more countries adopt the technology and as 5G-enabled devices become more widely available.
5G subscriptions are expected to see significant growth in the coming years, with projections estimating that by 2025, there will be over 1.7 billion 5G subscriptions worldwide. This growth is being driven by the increasing demand for high-speed connectivity, particularly in urban areas, as well as the expansion of 5G networks in rural and remote areas. Additionally, the ongoing development of new 5G-enabled devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and IoT devices, is also contributing to the rise in 5G subscriptions. As the technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see more innovative applications and services that leverage the capabilities of 5G networks, further fueling the growth of 5G subscriptions globally.
The expansion of 5G networks is also being driven by government initiatives and investments in infrastructure, as many countries see 5G as a key enabler for economic growth, innovation, and competitiveness. With the promise of faster download speeds, reduced latency, and greater network capacity, 5G is expected to revolutionize industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, transportation, and entertainment. This potential for transformation is encouraging telecom operators to accelerate their 5G deployment plans and invest in upgrading their networks to support the growing demand for 5G subscriptions. Additionally, the increasing availability of affordable 5G-enabled devices is making the transition to 5G more accessible to consumers, further contributing to the expansion of 5G subscriptions worldwide.