India is the second largest consumer of internet in the world. Now a recent survey has stated that India experienced a staggering increase in 5G subscribers, soaring from 10 million in 2022 to 119 million by the end of last year. This remarkable growth reflects the swift adoption and deployment of 5G technology across the nation, particularly under the digital India policy.
According to the Ericsson Mobility Report, Communications Service Providers (CSPs) worldwide are increasingly utilizing 5G networks to offer Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) services. Out of 310 CSPs surveyed, 241 confirmed they provided 5G-based FWA services as of April 2024, indicating a 29% increase in CSPs embracing FWA services from 2022 to 2023.
Globally, network providers are primarily using 5G networks to deliver Enhanced Mobile Broadband and FWA. However, the transition to standalone 5G networks remains limited, with only 50 out of 300 CSPs globally implementing this advanced technology, suggesting that many providers have yet to fully exploit the full potential of 5G.
Research predicts nearly 5.6 billion users by 2029
Researchers predict a significant increase in 5G users, estimating around 5.6 billion users by the end of 2029, which would account for 60% of all mobile subscriptions. North America is expected to achieve high 5G penetration during this period. In India, 5G subscribers are projected to surge from the current 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, with average usage expected to grow from 29GB per month to 68GB per month by the end of 2029. While 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, underscoring 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.