5G Standalone (5G SA) deployments have driven a significant surge in differentiated connectivity offerings in 2025, according to the latest Ericsson Mobility Report (EMR) released in November 2025. The report highlights the growing number of communications service providers (CSPs) using Network Slicing to deliver quality-assured services based on specific customer needs.
More than 90 CSPs have now launched or soft-launched 5G SA networks globally – up by around 30 from the same period last year, and 20 more than reported in the June 2025 EMR. The number of real-world network slicing use cases has reached 118 across 56 CSPs, with 65 of these having moved beyond proof of concept into commercial services.
“We see that service providers around the world are keen to embrace and deploy 5G SA to offer differentiated connectivity based on value services and not just data volume packages,” said Erik Ekudden, CTO and publisher of the Ericsson Mobility Report. “As reflected in the case studies in this EMR edition, 5G SA is already enabling differentiated connectivity opportunities.”
Of the 65 commercial offerings, 21 were launched in 2025 alone – with many as either subscription services or add-on packages for enterprise or consumer segments.
6G on the Horizon: Forecast Through 2031
This edition of the EMR introduces a new forecast window extending through 2031, covering the early phases of commercial 6G deployment. Based on previous generational rollouts, 6G is expected to launch first in frontrunner markets including the United States, Japan, South Korea, China, India, and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Europe is forecast to lag by approximately one year.
Globally, 6G subscriptions are expected to reach 180 million by the end of 2031, not including AI-powered Internet of Things (IoT) devices. If launches accelerate, these numbers may rise significantly.
5G Uptake and Coverage: The 2025 Picture
- By end-2025, global 5G subscriptions are forecast to reach 2.9 billion, representing around one-third of all mobile subscriptions.
- Coverage will expand to include 400 million more people than in 2024, with 50 percent of the global population (excluding mainland China) expected to have 5G access.
- 5G SA subscriptions are forecast to represent 65 percent (4.1 billion) of all 5G subscriptions by 2031.
- By the end of 2031, 5G is expected to handle 83 percent of all mobile data traffic globally, up from 43 percent at the end of 2025.
5G Fixed Wireless Access Expands
Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) continues to grow rapidly, with 1.4 billion people expected to be connected via FWA broadband by 2031 – 90 percent of which will use 5G. Currently, 159 providers offer 5G-based FWA services, accounting for about 65 percent of all FWA operators. The share of CSPs offering speed-based tariffs (similar to fibre or cable models) has risen to 54 percent, up from 43 percent in 2024.
Global Use Cases Demonstrate Value
The 36-page report includes real-world case studies from:
- Singtel: Using 5G SA to deliver tailored customer experiences
- Softbank: Leveraging 5G to modernise enterprise IT systems
- SailGP: Enhancing event operations and viewer experiences with 5G
First published in 2011, the Ericsson Mobility Report remains the leading global reference for mobile network data, trends, and forecasts, based on proprietary insights and third-party collaboration.
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