Fifth-generation (5G) technology is scaling faster than any previous mobile technology generations, with predictions that it will account for 60% of global mobile network data traffic by 2027.

The June 2022 Ericsson Mobility Report revealed that, currently, about a quarter of the world’s population currently has access to 5G coverage, with about 70-million 5G subscriptions added during the first quarter of 2022.

5G subscriptions are expected to exceed one-billion subscriptions by the end of 2022 and reach 4.4-billion – almost half of all subscriptions – by 2027, when about three-quarters of the world’s population have access to 5G.

“The latest Ericsson Mobility Report confirms 5G as the fastest growing mobile technology generation ever, and Ericsson is playing a key role in making it happen,” said Ericsson executive VP and head of networks Fredrik Jejdling.

North America is forecast to lead the world in 5G subscription penetration in the next five years with nine-of-every-ten subscriptions in the region expected to be 5G by 2027.

Further, 5G will account for 82% of subscriptions in Western Europe; 80% in the Gulf Cooperation Council region; and 74% in North East Asia.

In India, where 5G deployments have yet to begin, 5G is expected to account for nearly 40% of all subscriptions by 2027, the report pointed out.

“The deployment of 5G standalone networks is increasing in many regions as communications service providers gear up for innovation to address the business opportunities beyond enhanced mobile broadband. A solid digital network infrastructure underpins enterprises’ digital transformation plans, and their new capabilities can be turned into new customer services,” added Ericsson Mobility Report executive editor Peter Jonsson.

Meanwhile, the Ericsson Mobility Report also revealed that global mobile network data traffic doubled in the past two years, driven by increased smartphone and mobile broadband use, as well as the digitalisation of society and industries.

“The recent statistics and forecasts highlight the strong demand data connectivity and digital services have, and are expected to have, despite the global Covid-19 pandemic and geopolitical uncertainties. Several hundred million people are becoming new mobile broadband subscribers every year,” the report highlighted.

Further, the number of Fixed Wireless Access connections will exceed 100-million in 2022 and more than double by 2027, reaching almost 230-million, as it plays an increasingly important role in the delivery of broadband services.