5G to overtake 4G by 2027

Mobile data traffic has increased 300-fold since 2011, a new report has revealed. 

According to figures from Ericsson, mobile data has surged over the past decade and this is set to continue with the adoption of 5G.

The report suggests that 5G will become the fastest deployed mobile generation to date with close to 660 million 5G subscriptions by the end of this year. The increase is due to stronger than expected demand in China and North America. 

5G subscriptions increased by 98 million in Q3 2021, compared to 48 million 4G subscriptions. 5G will become the dominant mobile access tech by 2027, accounting for around 50% of all mobile subscriptions worldwide. 

Fredrik Jejdling, Executive Vice President and Head of Networks, Ericsson, said: “Mobile communication has had an incredible impact on society and business over the last ten years. When we look ahead to 2027, mobile networks will be more integral than ever to how we interact, live and work. Our latest Ericsson Mobility Report shows that the pace of change is accelerating, with technology playing a crucial role.”

The report also notes that mobile network data traffic was up 42%, year-on-year, in Q3 2021 accounting for approximately 78 exabytes (EB), including traffic generated by Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) services.