5G tops 3 billion, Africa to expand as 6G nears, Ericsson 2026 Mobility Report

Ericsson's 2026 Mobility Report indicates that the number of 5G subscriptions has surpassed 3 billion globally. This growth is expected to continue through 2031, surpassing 6.4 billion by then. The demand on 5G networks has evolved due to the integration of artificial intelligence (AI). Devices such as AI assistants, smart glasses, and connected cameras are generating more data than conventional apps, prompting operators to strategize accordingly.

Some operators are offering network performance guarantees through 5G standalone network slicing, ensuring superior speeds during events like live performances or gaming sessions. However, sub-Saharan Africa may lag behind in mobile adoption due to variables such as financial stability, regulatory landscapes, and spectrum support, according to Ericsson project manager Anette Lundvall.

Although 5G is anticipated to be replaced by 6G by 2030, Lundvall clarifies that Africa is unlikely to skip the 5G phase before transitioning to 6G. The report highlights the significance of national circumstances, encompassing financial capability, regulatory preparedness, and spectrum allotment, in determining the pace of adoption for next-generation networks in African countries.

As of the end of 2025, 5G subscriptions totaled 2.94 billion, with an additional 660 million added that year alone. By 2031, the figure is projected to reach 6.4 billion, overtaking the 4G subscriber base by 2027. The number of operators employing 5G stands at around 390, with 90 transitioning to standalone networks. The shutdowns for 2G and 3G are accelerating.

In terms of regional adoption, North America leads with 79% penetration, followed by Northeast Asia (60%), Western Europe (54%), and the Gulf states (53%). China currently boasts 1.2 billion 5G users, while India is expected to reach 1.1 billion by 2031. Global mobile data traffic experienced a 22% year-over-year increase in Q1 2026, amounting to 210 exabytes per month.

This surge is primarily driven by video content (accounting for 75% of traffic) and AI-enabled devices, including smart glasses and cameras. It is projected that average smartphone data usage will increase from 22 GB per month in 2025 to 42 GB by 2031. The fixed wireless access (FWA) market is expanding, with connections expected to nearly double to 350 million by 2031, benefiting 1.4 billion individuals. 6G standardization is in progress, with the first services anticipated around 2030.