According to the June 2023 edition of the Ericsson Mobility Report, despite challenges in geopolitics and macroeconomics in certain markets, global communications service providers are continuing to invest in 5G technology. India, in particular, is experiencing significant network deployments under its Digital India initiative since the launch of 5G services in October 2022.
By the end of 2022, 5G subscriptions in India had reached approximately 10 million and are projected to account for around 57 percent of mobile subscriptions in the country by the end of 2028, making it the fastest-growing 5G region worldwide.
The report also highlights the stronger-than-expected uptake of 5G subscriptions in North America. By the end of 2022, the region had the highest 5G subscription penetration globally, reaching 41 percent.
The global adoption of 5G technology has surpassed one billion subscriptions, resulting in positive revenue growth for communications service providers in leading 5G markets. The introduction of 5G services in the top twenty markets has led to a seven percent revenue boost over the past two years, demonstrating the increasing value of 5G for both users and service providers.
Currently, around 240 communications service providers have launched commercial 5G services globally, with approximately 35 deploying or launching 5G standalone (SA) networks. The most common 5G services offered to consumers include enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), Fixed Wireless Access (FWA), gaming, and certain AR/VR-based services such as training and education.
In terms of innovation, 5G continues to drive the packaging of mobile services. Many CSPs now offer bundles that include popular entertainment services like television, music streaming, or cloud gaming platforms. About 58 percent of 5G service providers currently offer such bundled services.
Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) is also growing steadily, with an increasing number of mobile service providers offering FWA services. Over 100 CSPs, representing around 40 percent of FWA service providers, currently offer FWA over 5G. It is projected that by 2028, 5G will account for nearly 80 percent of all FWA connections.
In the Indian market, 5G subscriptions are expected to reach 700 million by the end of 2028, representing 57 percent of mobile subscriptions. Average data traffic per smartphone is projected to grow from 26 GB per month in 2022 to approximately 62 GB per month in 2028, with total mobile data traffic estimated to reach 58 EB per month, growing at a CAGR of 22 percent.
While 4G continues to be the dominant subscription type driving connectivity and data growth in India, 4G subscriptions are forecasted to decline from 820 million in 2022 to 500 million by 2028. However, total mobile subscriptions in the region are expected to grow to 1.2 billion by 2028.
The number of smartphone subscriptions in India is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5 percent, surpassing 1.14 billion by 2028, compared to 840 million at the end of 2022. Smartphone subscriptions are also expected to constitute 93 percent of total mobile subscriptions in India by 2028, up from 76 percent in 2022.
The establishment of a strong digital infrastructure in India through mobile networks is crucial for driving social and economic inclusion, bridging the digital divide, creating jobs, promoting entrepreneurship, and boosting the economy, according to Nitin Bansal, Head of Ericsson India and Head of Network Solutions for Southeast Asia, Oceania, and India.
