• 5G subscriptions to top 2.9 billion globally by the end of 2025 and 5G networks forecast to handle 80 percent of global mobile traffic by the end of 2030.
• In Middle East and North Africa, 5G is expected to constitute 61 percent of total connections in 2030.
• Mobile financial tools, telehealth and e-learning are expected to be key focus areas for digital services in the region.
5G
Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) continues to grow in appeal to communications service providers (CSPs) around the world, with the ability to offer speed-based tariff plans – enhanced by 5G capabilities – proving particularly attractive, the June 2025 Ericsson Mobility Report shows.
FWA is projected to account for more than 35 percent of new fixed broadband connections, with an expected increase to 350 million by the end of 2030. 5G FWA plays a crucial role in expanding broadband access, especially in areas where traditional wired infrastructure may be less feasible.
On 5G subscriptions, the June 2025 Ericsson Mobility Report forecasts subscriptions to top 2.9 billion globally by the end of 2025 – about one third of all mobile subscriptions.
The 5G subscription forecast for the end of 2030 remains at 6.3 billion. 5G networks handled 35 percent of global mobile traffic by the end of 2024, with forecasters expecting the figure to top 80 percent by the end of 2030.
In the Middle East and North Africa region, mobile subscriptions are projected to grow at an annual rate of 2 percent up to 2030, reaching a total of 820 million. Notably, 5G subscriptions are forecast to rise with an anticipated shift in how users engage with digital services – from mobile financial tools to telehealth platforms and e-learning ecosystems.
In 2030, 4G is expected to make up 37 percent of mobile connections, while 5G is set to dominate with 61 percent of the total connections. 5G FWA is increasingly recognized as a key enabler of next-generation connectivity, complementing traditional broadband offerings. Service providers are actively enhancing network capacity while prioritizing energy efficiency and the reduction of their carbon footprint, which are key to meeting business goals and reducing energy costs for net zero ambitions.
Through commentary, insights and customer/partner case stories, the June 2025 EMR highlights the ability of 5G Standalone (5G SA) and 5G Advanced to create monetization opportunities for CSPs globally based on value delivery rather than data volume.
The report highlights how CSPs are pursuing new commercial opportunities by offering differentiated connectivity services to consumers, enterprises and public authorities. Use cases include broadcast/video production, point of sale systems, events/arenas, gaming, fixed wireless access, virtual private networks, and enterprise productivity.
Deeper dive articles include:
• Study on how GenAI will impact future mobile network traffic. Only applications with high adoption and high data rate requirements will impact mobile network traffic growth globally.
• Article (co-written with Sony) on how the company continually works with new and disruptive technologies to enhance the entertainment businesses. Dynamic slicing, in combination with Quality on Demand (QoD) APIs, will enable live media production over mobile networks, delivering great user experiences.
Kevin Murphy, Vice President and Head of Ericsson North Middle East at Ericsson Europe, Middle East and Africa, says: “The Middle East and North Africa region continues to make impressive strides in digital connectivity. With mobile subscriptions expected to reach 820 million by 2030, and 5G expected to account for 61 percent of connections, the region is embracing next-generation technologies at pace.
From mobile financial services to e-learning and telehealth, 5G is enabling a new era of digital engagement. Additionally, we see that 5G Fixed Wireless Access is also gaining ground as a vital complement to traditional broadband in the region, as service providers prioritize energy-efficient network expansions aligned with long-term sustainability and net zero ambitions.”
Read the full June 2025 Ericsson Mobility Report via this link.
Based on unique Ericsson and partner network insights, the Ericsson Mobility Report has been the key industry reference for network data, performance, statistics, and forecasts since its launch in 2011.
