- 1.76B 5G global connections at year-end 2023; added 700M; a
66% increase in connections in 2023; forecast to reach 7.9B by
2028
- North America: 5G is 29% of all wireless cellular
connections; 64% YOY growth; 77M new connections added in
2023
The wireless telecommunications industry witnessed a year of
unprecedented growth and innovation, propelled by the unstoppable
momentum of 5G technology. In 2023, adoption of 5G connections
accelerated, reaching 1.76 billion globally by adding 700 million,
according to 5G Americas, the voice of 5G and beyond in the
Americas, and data from Omdia.
Chris Pearson, President of 5G Americas, said, “The wireless
telecommunications industry stands at the cusp of a new era, driven
by innovation, collaboration, and a shared vision for a connected
future. With Fixed Wireless Access continuing to drive consumer
broadband demand, new technology milestones are advancing
unparalleled connectivity experiences worldwide.”
North America emerged as a trailblazer in 5G adoption, with
connections in the region comprising 29% of all North American
connections by the end of 2023. Notably, the region experienced a
staggering 64% year-over-year growth in 5G connections, adding 77
million new connections to its network. By the end of 2023, North
American 5G connections totaled 197 million.
Latin America also witnessed substantial progress in both 4G LTE
and 5G connections, with LTE connections reaching 582 million by
the close of 2023, adding 40 million new connections year over
year. Moreover, the region embraced the 5G revolution, with 39
million 5G connections established by year-end, setting the stage
for further expansion in the years to come.
“4G LTE is still the strongest technology across the region,”
said Jose Otero, Vice President of Latin America, and the Caribbean
for 5G Americas. “Although various factors, including 5G handset
mass market availability and completion of spectrum auctions will
see an increase in 5G coverage, and subscriber growth in the coming
year.”
Looking ahead, Omdia forecasts paint a picture of the
telecommunications landscape we can expect to see throughout this
decade. Global 5G connections are projected to skyrocket to 7.9
billion by 2028, with North America forecasted to boast an
impressive 700 million 5G connections by the same year.
Omdia principal analyst Kristin Paulin points out, “With this
forecast, 5G will reach the global milestone of accounting for more
than half of all connections by 2028. For North America, as an
early leader, 5G will be more than 80% of connections.”
Additionally, 5G data traffic is expected to be 76% of all
technology data traffic as it reaches a staggering 2.6 billion TB
(or 2600 EB), with all technology data traffic reaching 3.4 billion
TB (or 3400 EB) by 2028, reflecting the exponential growth
trajectory of 5G connectivity.
While 5G technology continues to dominate headlines, the
Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem remains a vital component of the
digital revolution. Currently, global IoT subscriptions stand at
3.1 billion, complemented by 6.6 billion smartphone subscriptions.
Forecasts suggest that IoT subscriptions will reach 4.5 billion,
while smartphone subscriptions will surge to 7.4 billion by 2026,
highlighting the evolving nature of connectivity and the
interconnectedness of our digital world.
Globally, the number of deployed 5G networks shows strength
compared to 4G LTE deployments, and in the case of North America
almost matches 4G LTE networks deployed. Currently, there are 314
commercial 5G networks worldwide, and this number is anticipated to
grow to 450 by 2025, reflecting significant investments in 5G
infrastructure worldwide.
The number of 5G and 4G LTE network deployments as of March 18,
2024, are summarized below:
5G:
Global: 314
North America: 17
Latin America and Caribbean: 39
4G LTE:
Global: 714
North America: 18
Latin America and Caribbean: 135
Visit www.5GAmericas.org for more information, statistical
charts, and a list of LTE and 5G deployments by operator and
region. Subscriber and forecast data is provided by Omdia and
deployment data by 5G Americas and TeleGeography (GlobalComm).
About 5G Americas: The Voice of 5G and Beyond for the
Americas
5G Americas is an industry trade organization composed of
leading telecommunications service providers and manufacturers.
The organization’s mission is to facilitate and advocate for the
advancement of 5G and beyond toward 6G throughout the Americas. 5G
Americas is invested in developing a connected wireless community
while leading 5G development for all the Americas. 5G Americas is
headquartered in Bellevue, Washington. More information is
available at 5G Americas’ website.
5G Americas’ Board of Governors Members include Airspan Networks
Inc., Antel, AT&T, Ciena, Cisco, Crown Castle, Ericsson,
Liberty Latin America, Mavenir, Nokia, Qualcomm Incorporated,
Rogers Communications, Samsung, T-Mobile US, Inc., Telefónica, and
WOM.
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version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240328816858/en/
5G Americas Viet Nguyen +1 206 218 6393
Viet.Nguyen@5GAmericas.org