Ericsson has raised its forecast for global 5G subscribers to 1.6 billion by the end of 2023, after estimating a total of 610 million, reflecting a 63% year-on-year increase.
In its latest mobility report, Ericsson said the estimated total number of 5G subscribers is about 100 million more than its June forecast. This means that by the end of this year, almost one in every five mobile phone contracts in the world will be 5G, and the network technology will cover 45% of the world’s population.
Ericsson predicted that North America would have the highest 5G penetration rate at 61%.
The vendor has also identified India. In India, it is estimated that 130 million 5G subscriptions will be booked by the end of the year, with a penetration rate of 11 per cent approximately 14 months after launch in October 2022.
India was named as the country driving more than 30% to 40% of the world’s 5G mid-band coverage.
Ericsson said 5G growth has proven to be “resilient despite continued economic challenges and geopolitical uncertainties in some markets.”
EVP and Head of Networks Fredrik Jejdling said 5G subscriber numbers are “growing in all regions,” indicating strong demand for high-performance connectivity.
The latest research also updates the statistical forecast period from 2028 to 2029, and the number of 5G subscribers worldwide is expected to exceed 5.3 billion in the second half of the year.
Ericsson predicts that by 2029, the Gulf region and North America will each have the highest 5G penetration rates at 92%, followed by Western Europe at 85%.
