Global 5G connections approach 2 billion

• 5G global connectivity is almost here In the first quarter of 2024, the subscriber base will reach 2 billion with 185 million new subscriptions.
  Projected to reach 7.7 billion by 2028
• North America’s 5G deployments will account for 32% of total wireless cellular connections, double the global average, with 11% growth and 22 million new connections.

Bellevue, Washington – July 2, 2024 – The wireless communications industry experienced another quarter of strong expansion and technological advancements, driven by continued advancements in 5G technology. According to data from 5G Americas and Omdia, global deployment of 5G connections continued to grow steadily in the first quarter of 2024, adding 185 million new connections, reaching nearly 2 billion.

“The wireless technology sector continues to demonstrate its strength and importance with rapid adoption and strong growth globally, and North America continues to be at the forefront of 5G deployment,” said Chris Pearson, president of 5G Americas.

North America is leading the way in 5G adoption, with 5G connections in the region accounting for 32% of all wireless cellular connections. Notably, the region saw healthy growth in Q1, adding 22 million new connections to operator networks, bringing the total number of 5G connections in North America to 220 million in Q1 2024.

Latin America also saw strong growth in 4G LTE and 5G connections last quarter, with LTE connections increasing by 8 million for a total of 591 million across the region. Additionally, the 5G revolution continues in the region, with 5G connections increasing by 9 million for a total of 48 million. 4G LTE subscriber numbers remain strong across the region, and 5G device and spectrum availability continues to expand. “5G continues to accelerate, with an increasing number of operators offering the technology, continuing to expand population coverage in urban and suburban areas. 4G continues to expand its presence in rural and remote areas, helping governments achieve their national connectivity goals,” said José Otero, vice president, Latin America and Caribbean, 5G Americas.

Looking ahead, Omdia forecasts paint a picture of where the communications industry is expected to be this decade: Global 5G connections are expected to reach 7.7 billion by 2028, with North America expected to hit 700 million 5G connections by the same year.

Christine Poulin, principal analyst at Omdia, points out: “North America is rapidly moving towards an LTE and 5G-only region, with most operators already shutting down their legacy networks. Additionally, 5G’s vast coverage and devices across a range of price points are driving 5G adoption. In the second half of the forecast, IoT is also expected to play a bigger role in driving 5G adoption.”

The Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem will continue to be a fundamental building block of the digital revolution. Currently, there are 3.3 billion IoT subscriptions and 6.7 billion smartphone subscriptions worldwide. Forecasts suggest that IoT subscriptions will reach 5 billion by 2028, while smartphone subscriptions are expected to soar to 8 billion, highlighting the evolution of connectivity and the interconnectedness of the digital world.

Globally, the number of 5G networks being deployed is outpacing the pace of 4G LTE network deployments at the same time in the technology cycle. The number of 5G deployments in North America is roughly equal to the number of 4G LTE networks. There are currently 316 commercial 5G networks worldwide, and with continued significant investment in 5G infrastructure around the world, that number is expected to grow. Below is a summary of the number of 5G and 4G LTE network deployments as of June 17, 2024:

5G:

• Worldwide: 316
• North America: 17
• Latin America and the Caribbean: 40

4G LTE:

• Worldwide: 712
• North America: 18
• Latin America and the Caribbean: 134

For more information, statistical charts and listings of LTE and 5G deployments by carrier and region, visit www.5GAmericas.org. Subscriber and forecast data is provided by Omdia, and deployment data is provided by 5G Americas and TeleGeography (GlobalComm).