Ericsson shares a big forecast for the next decade in telecommunications. 5G is set to become the top technology, and the market is already gearing up for 6G. At the same time, global mobile data demand is skyrocketing. FWA and satellite Internet are becoming essential for broadband.
Global Expansion of 5G
By the end of 2025, there will be 2.9 billion 5G connections. By 2031, this number will jump to 6.4 billion, covering almost 70% of global connections. Mature markets like North America, the Gulf, Western Europe, and Asia will see over 90% penetration.
About 360 providers have active 5G networks, and more than 90 are moving to standalone 5G. They are preparing services that offer high reliability and quality.
Data Traffic Accelerates
In just one year, global monthly traffic grew by 20%, hitting 188 EB. Video is still the biggest user of bandwidth, making up 76% of total consumption.
By 2031, mobile data traffic (not counting FWA) will reach 310 EB per month. With FWA included, it will soar to 482 EB. Average smartphone usage will rise from 21 GB in 2025 to 39 GB in 2031, with places like India and the Gulf already surpassing these numbers.
FWA and Satellite Broadband: New Dynamics
FWA is becoming a key coverage method, growing from 185 million connections in 2025 to 350 million in 2031—90% of these on 5G. This means coverage for 1.4 billion people worldwide.
Satellite connections will increase from 9 million in 2025 to 30 million in 2031, creating a combined model of ‘fiber + FWA + satellite.’
6G Moves from Theory to Practice
The international standardization process for 6G has started, based on IMT-2030 and the 3GPP Release 21. The first commercial uses are expected in the USA, China, South Korea, Japan, and Gulf countries. By 2031, there could be around 180 million 6G connections.
The first applications will include digital twins, autonomous vehicles, and advanced mixed reality.
Differentiated Connectivity: From Trials to Commercial Models
Network slicing is now fully commercial: with 65 offerings across 56 providers in 134 markets. Notable examples include Singtel’s experience packages and SoftBank’s work on mobile-first corporate setups and hybrid networks for major events.
The Energy Challenge
ICT energy use is projected at 1,100 TWh in 2024, mainly due to data centers and AI. CO₂e emissions will reach about 750 million tons. Ericsson expects further reductions by 2030 if we speed up the shift to renewable energy sources to meet the demand from new applications.
