EMR June 2025 highlights global 5G subscription to reach 6.3 billion by end-2030
- 5G networks forecast to handle 80 percent of global mobile traffic by the end of 2030
- In Southeast Asia and Oceania, 5G subscription will likely reach 630 million by 2030 – or 49% of the total.
- Ericsson to support Thailand’s digital transformation, leveraging its global 5G leadership
Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) said global 5G subscription is expected to reach 6.3 billion by the end of 2030. The June 2025 Ericsson Mobility Report forecasts 5G subscriptions to top 2.9 billion globally by the end of 2025 – about one third of all mobile subscriptions.
Mobile network data traffic increased by 19 percent from the first quarter of 2024 to the corresponding period in 2025. Despite a declining growth rate, net added traffic will continue to increase year-on-year, with the June 2025 EMR forecasting that mobile data traffic will more than double through the forecast period through the end of 2030.
5G networks handled 35 percent of global mobile traffic by the end of 2024, with forecasters expecting the figure to top 80 percent by the end of 2030.
In Europe, 5G mid-band coverage topped 50 percent population coverage by the end of 2024. While the figure puts the region in line with the global average, it lags far behind frontrunner countries such as North America where 5G mid-band deployment has topped 90 percent population coverage, and India where 5G mid-band population coverage reached 95 percent by the end of 2024.
5G subscriptions in Southeast Asia and Oceania are expected to reach 630 million by 2030, contributing around 49% of total mobile subscriptions in the region by then. Data traffic per smartphone is expected to grow from 19 GB/month in 2024 to 38 GB/month by 2030.
In Thailand, 5G has become a significant driver of data consumption and increased average revenue per user (ARPU).
“We are at an inflection point, where 5G and the ecosystem are set to unleash a wave of innovation. The 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,” says Anders Rian, Head of Ericsson Thailand. “To fully realize the potential of 5G, it is essential to continue deploying 5G SA and to further build out mid-band sites.” adds Anders.
Ericsson Thailand looks to contribute to the nation’s digital transformation by leveraging its global leadership in 5G technology. Ericsson today powers 187 live 5G networks across the globe . ”Our vision is to build high-performance, reliable, and sustainable connectivity that will accelerate Thailand’s journey towards becoming a digital economy … We believe that strong collaboration across the ecosystem is essential to unlock the full potential of the digital economy and society. By working closely with the government , industry partners, and communities, we aim to foster innovation, inclusivity, and long-term growth,” states Anders.
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 as well as sustainable. The possibilities that 5G can create for enterprises will not only put them on a fast track to meet the demands of the new world but more importantly, contribute to the socio-economic development of Thailand.
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 realize 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” says Anders
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 (GenAI) 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 personalized AI agents and other conversational applications.
”At the heart of operations is a steadfast comitment to ethics, integrity, and transparency. We strive to set the industry’s benchmark for excellence and best practices, ensuring that our contributions are both impactful and responsible,” states Anders. ”Together, we are shaping a connected future for Thailand—one that is inclusive, resilient, and ready for the opportunities of tomorrow.”
Read the full June 2025 Ericsson Mobility Report via this link.
