The global 5G mobile communications sector continues the remarkable progress across many key markets. As of Q3 2023, the world added 537 million 5G wireless connections, bringing global totals to 1.6 billion, which represents an increase of 71 percent over the past year.
This growth trajectory suggests an optimistic outlook for the future of 5G adoption according to 5G Americas, and the latest market data from Omdia research.
"The global 5G landscape shows positive momentum as innovation and collaboration continue to be the mainstays for long-term progress," said Chris Pearson, president of 5G Americas.
5G Networks Market Development
Looking ahead, Omdia forecasts that the global 5G connection base will likely reach 1.8 billion by the end of 2023 and 7.9 billion by 2028, as 5G-Advanced network improvements are implemented and work towards 6G is completed.
While this represents a significant expansion, it is important to note that this growth may not be linear.
Factors such as infrastructure development, spectrum availability, device availability, and subscriber demand will continue to influence the pace of adoption as different regions and segments continue to adopt the technology.
Overall, North America continues to be a leading region in 5G deployment, with 176 million connections as of Q3 2023. This represents the addition of 22 million new connections in the last quarter or 14 percent quarter over quarter.
This translates to a 26 percent market share and 46 percent penetration rate, highlighting the region’s significant commitment to advancing 5G technology. Within the region, some national operators have already also deployed or are in the process of deploying 5G Standalone networks.
In Latin America and the Caribbean, 5G adoption is still in its early stages. However, the region is demonstrating encouraging progress. Q3 2023 saw an increase of 7 million LTE connections, bringing the total to 572 million.
While 4G remains dominant, 5G connections were expected to quadruple in 2023, reaching 46 million. Looking further ahead, forecasts predict that the region will reach 492 million 5G connections by 2028, highlighting the potential for significant growth.
"4G LTE and 5G continue to be important mobile communications technologies for Latin America," said Jose Otero, vice president at 5G Americas. "Upcoming spectrum auctions and more mass-market access to 5G devices in 2024 will create more robust opportunities for 5G success in the region."
Kristin Paulin, principal analyst at Omdia said, "The current 5G landscape presents a cautiously optimistic picture. By addressing new opportunities through innovation and cooperation the industry can ensure that 5G reaches its full potential and unlocks its transformative impact on our lives."
Outlook for 5G Network Applications Growth
Globally, the number of deployed 5G networks now rival 4G LTE deployments. Currently, there are 296 commercial 5G networks worldwide, and this number is anticipated to grow to 438 by 2025, reflecting significant investments in 5G infrastructure worldwide.
That said, I foresee significant 5G network app growth, driven by expanding demand for its superior connectivity capabilities. Imagine near-instantaneous data transfer, real-time remote surgery powered by virtual reality, and ultra-reliable mobile networks enabling autonomous vehicles.
These are just a few of the innovative application possibilities. Industries from manufacturing to healthcare to entertainment are poised for transformational leaps, fueled by the exponential growth of connected devices and data-driven apps.
While early roadblocks like uneven global coverage and device compatibility remain, investments in 5G infrastructure, robust chipsets, and innovative edge computing are rapidly clearing the path to progress.