India’s 5G Landscape: Projections and Growth Trends

The Ericsson Mobility Report paints a promising picture for the future of 5G in India, forecasting significant growth in 5G subscriptions and positioning the country as the fastest-growing 5G region globally. Let’s delve into the key insights from the report.

Rapid Growth in 5G Subscriptions

By the end of 2022, India had already amassed approximately 10 million 5G subscriptions, setting the stage for exponential growth. The report anticipates that by the conclusion of 2028, 5G subscriptions will constitute approximately 57% of all mobile subscriptions in India. This surge is attributed to the Digital India initiative, driving substantial network deployments across the country.

Global Trends and Forecasts

The Ericsson Mobility Report underscores the global momentum behind 5G adoption, with forecasts projecting over 1.5 billion 5G subscriptions worldwide by the end of 2023. Notably, North America leads the charge with the highest 5G subscription penetration, reaching 41% by the end of 2022.

Revenue Growth and Market Dynamics

The advent of 5G technology has not only propelled subscription numbers but also catalyzed revenue growth for communications service providers (CSPs) in leading 5G markets. Over the past two years, the introduction of 5G in key markets has yielded a seven per cent increase in revenue, underscoring the symbiotic relationship between 5G adoption and service revenue.

Service Offerings and Innovation

5G deployment has ushered in a wave of innovation in mobile service packaging, with enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), Fixed Wireless Access (FWA), and augmented reality/virtual reality (AR/VR) services among the forefront offerings. Additionally, communications service providers are increasingly bundling 5G services with popular entertainment platforms, such as television, music streaming, and cloud gaming, to enhance customer value propositions.

Future Projections

Looking ahead, Ericsson forecasts a continued rise in 5G adoption, with approximately 240 CSPs having launched commercial 5G services globally, and around 35 deploying or launching 5G standalone (SA) networks. By 2028, 5G is expected to account for nearly 80% of all FWA connections, underscoring its pivotal role in shaping the future of connectivity.

In summary, India’s 5G journey promises rapid expansion and transformative impact across sectors, driving innovation, revenue growth, and enhanced user experiences in the digital era.