With smartphone users in Southeast Asia expected to see their monthly data usage grow from 19GB in 2024 to 39GB by 2030, networking and telecommunications company Ericsson predicts that more communications service providers (CSPs) will adopt 5G Standalone (5G SA) and 5G Advanced.
These technologies can provide faster, more reliable connections, as highlighted in Ericsson’s November Mobility Report. Early users of 5G SA are already offering reliable connectivity, creating new business opportunities.
“Affordable 5G smartphones and a growing 5G network will boost demand for mobile data in the Philippines,” Daniel Ode, head of Ericsson Singapore, Philippines, and Brunei, said in a media release. “Data use in the country is expected to grow by 20% each year from 2023 to 2029. Faster 5G adoption can improve user experiences and help businesses go digital.”
Globally, 5G networks are predicted to handle 80% of mobile data traffic by 2030, compared to 34% in 2024. Despite this growth, only 20% of the 320 CSPs offering 5G services are currently using 5G SA.
Full potential of 5G
Ericsson says that expanding mid-band 5G and 5G SA sites is key to fully utilizing 5G.
“Building more mid-band and 5G SA sites will unlock the full capabilities of 5G, including smarter and more flexible networks,” the company said.
Today, only 30% of global 5G sites use mid-band, but this number is expected to grow, according to Ericsson. By 2030, nearly 60% of 5G SA subscriptions will rely on mid-band technology, out of 6.3 billion total 5G subscriptions worldwide.
Fixed Wireless Access (FWA), which provides internet without cables, is now the second most popular 5G use case after enhanced Mobile Broadband. Over 80% of CSPs in four major global regions now offer FWA. Of the projected 350 million global FWA connections by 2030, 80% will use 5G.
In Southeast Asia and Oceania, 5G subscriptions are expected to hit 680 million by 2030, driven by better networks, more affordable devices, and promotional plans. Monthly mobile data use per smartphone in the region will likely double to 39GB by 2030.
Globally, 5G subscriptions are forecast to reach 2.3 billion by 2024, accounting for one-quarter of all mobile subscriptions, and will overtake 4G by 2027. The first 6G services are expected by 2030, building on the advancements of 5G SA.