5G subscriptions expected to hit 2.9 billion globally

According to the Ericsson Mobility Report, 5G momentum is growing and is forecast to reach nearly one third of all mobile users, or about 2.9 billion people, by the end of 2025.

In Southeast Asia and Oceania, 5G subscriptions are forecast to reach around 630 million in 2030, accounting for around 49 per cent of total mobile subscriptions in the region.

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Data traffic per smartphone is expected to grow from 19 GB/month in 2024 to 38 GB/month by 2030. 5G networks handled 35 per cent of global mobile traffic by the end of 2024, with forecasters expecting the figure to top 80 per cent by the end of 2030.

Vietnam is steadily advancing, having launched services in October 2024, with three service providers now offering 5G.

Head of Ericsson Vietnam Rita Mokbel said, “From 5G to the digital economy, technology is driving the next wave of growth in Vietnam. Communication service providers are rallying to provide nationwide 4G/5G coverage in Vietnam.”

Head of Ericsson Vietnam Rita Mokbel

“There are numerous existing and futuristic 5G use-cases that can potentially bring a paradigm shift across enterprises, helping them become more efficient, future-ready, and sustainable. The possibilities that 5G can create for enterprises will put them on a fast track to meet the demands of the new world, and more importantly, contribute to the socioeconomic development of Vietnam,” she added.

Recent advancements in 5G standalone (SA) networks, coupled with the progress in 5G enabled devices, have led to an ecosystem poised to unlock transformative opportunities for connected creativity.

”To fully realise the potential of 5G, it is essential to continue deploying 5G SA and to further build out mid-band sites. 5G SA capabilities serve as a catalyst for driving new business growth opportunities,” said Mokbel.

Enhanced deployment of 5G SA will provide an even stronger foundation for adoption and drive new use-cases for both enterprises and consumers.

As generative AI devices proliferate and AI apps become increasingly complex, both application service providers and communication service providers will need to focus more on uplink capabilities and latency.

The Ericsson Mobility Report talks about ongoing 5G device innovation with GenAI in smartphones expanding beyond high-end models, AI-powered smart glasses gaining utility through audio interaction, and increased adoption of differentiated connectivity for new consumer and enterprise applications. Differentiated connectivity will be key in enabling a high-quality user experience for personalised AI agents and other conversational applications.

PM Pham Minh Chinh meets Ericsson CEO Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh gave a reception in Hanoi on November 25 for Borje Ekholm, President and CEO of Ericsson who is paying a working visit to Vietnam.

Vietnam’s exciting journey towards a connected future The past year was a landmark one for Vietnam as the country launched 5G in keeping with its digital transformation agenda. The recent launch serves to fulfil the government’s vision of leveraging science, technology, and innovation to drive the digital transformation of the country, and it will create the next wave of inclusive and sustainable socioeconomic development for the country.

Vietnam is shaping up for the next wave of mobile Mobile has been pivotal in driving digital transformation, furnishing individuals and businesses with a broad range of transformative technologies, while also supporting governments in achieving positive social impacts.