MANILA, Philippines – The Ericsson Mobility Report forecasts a transformative decade for telecommunications, driven by 5G Standalone (SA) and 5G Advanced technologies. Released in November 2024, the report highlights how communications service providers (CSPs) are shifting focus from raw data volume to value-driven connectivity.
In Southeast Asia, 5G subscriptions are projected to hit 680 million by 2030, fueled by affordable smartphones and an evolving 5G ecosystem. According to Daniel Ode, Ericsson’s Head for Singapore, Philippines, and Brunei, the Philippines will see mobile data usage grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20% from 2023-2029. “Accelerated 5G deployment will redefine consumer experiences and drive enterprise digitalization,” Ode stated.
Globally, mobile network data traffic is expected to nearly triple by 2030, with 5G networks carrying 80% of that load. Yet, less than 20% of CSPs currently use 5G SA, underscoring the untapped potential of these advanced technologies. Mid-band deployment, now at only 30% globally, and intelligent network capabilities are key to unlocking 5G’s promise.
Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) remains the second-largest 5G use case globally, with 43% of providers now offering speed-based tariffs comparable to cable or fiber connections. By 2030, nearly 80% of the 350 million projected FWA connections worldwide will operate on 5G.
In the Philippines, these advancements offer vast opportunities to improve connectivity and productivity. The demand for data-intensive applications and AI-driven innovations, such as Generative AI, may further accelerate network traffic growth beyond current predictions.
Ericsson’s report also looks ahead to the first 6G deployments in 2030, promising a new era of scalable, advanced connectivity. Read the full Ericsson Mobility Report on their official website.