5G will enable service providers in Việt Nam to provide enhanced mobile broadband experience to consumers. — Photo baoquangngai.vn

Ericsson estimates that almost one-in-five of all global mobile subscriptions will be 5G subscriptions by the end of 2023, as the growth proves resilient despite continued economic challenges and geopolitical unrest in some markets.

The statistic is featured in the November 2023 edition of the Ericsson Mobility Report, which estimates that there will be 610 million new 5G subscriptions for the calendar year 2023 – a 63 per cent increase on 2022 – bringing the global total to 1.6 billion, about 100 million more than previously predicted.

The latest report – the twenty-fifth edition – has a new upper timeline for statistical forecasts, moving from 2028 to 2029. In line with recent editions, the November 2023 report confirms enhanced mobile broadband, fixed wireless access, gaming and AR/VR/-based services as the most common early consumer use cases for 5G.

In the six years between the end of 2023 and 2029, global 5G subscriptions are forecast to increase by more than 330 per cent – from 1.6 billion to 5.3 billion. 5G coverage is forecast to be available to more than 45 per cent of the global population by the end of 2023 and 85 percent by the end of 2029.

5G subscriptions will reach around 550 million in Southeast Asia and Oceania by the end of 2029. Beyond creating the initial 5G infrastructure in the region, the focus of the service providers is towards diversifying service offerings for both consumers and enterprises. Enhancing customer experience, expanding network coverage and promoting digital transformations for businesses remain top priorities across the region.

Mobile data traffic per smartphone continues to grow strongly in Southeast Asia and Oceania and is expected to reach around 66GB per month in 2029 from 24GB per month in 2023 – a CAGR of 19 per cent.

Head of Ericsson Vietnam, Rita Mokbel said: “At Ericsson, we have been leveraging our technology leadership to deliver a world class consumer experience to the expansive 4G installed base in Việt Nam – which can seamlessly be upgraded to 5G when required. 5G will provide the critical infrastructure that will accelerate the digital transformation of Việt Nam. In the initial phase, 5G will enable service providers in Việt Nam to provide enhanced mobile broadband experience to consumers and enhance the capacity of the networks to manage the growing data traffic. Over time, we expect new, innovative 5G use cases to emerge in the areas of 5G for business.” — VNS