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The Growing Appeal of 5G Fixed Wireless Access

In June 2025, the Ericsson Mobility Report (EMR) revealed significant trends in the communications sector, primarily focusing on the burgeoning monetization of Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) services enhanced by 5G technology. With an increasing number of communications service providers (CSPs) worldwide delving into FWA, the landscape for broadband is undergoing a dramatic transformation.

Speed-Based Monetization Strategies

According to the EMR, over half of all global service providers that currently offer FWA are now incorporating speed-based monetization plans, a leap from just 40% in June 2024. This figure reflects a broader trend among CSPs in North America, Europe, and the Middle East, where service providers are embracing innovative ways to charge for internet services based on speed and performance.

The traditional fixed line connections are facing competition from 5G FWA, which allows companies to offer diverse and flexible plans that mimic cable and fiber offerings. By providing varied data speed options and bundled entertainment services, CSPs are looking to capitalize on new opportunities for revenue generation, attracting a wider customer base that is keen on better performance and value.

Projected Growth of FWA

The forecast for FWA indicates a dramatic increase, with expectations that it will account for more than 35% of new fixed broadband connections by 2030, reaching an astounding 350 million connections. This significant growth is particularly crucial in areas where laying traditional wired infrastructure poses challenges.

5G subscriptions are expected to surge, surpassing 2.9 billion globally by the end of 2025, representing roughly one-third of mobile subscriptions. By 2030, predictions estimate this number could reach 6.3 billion, further solidifying the importance of 5G networks in future mobile traffic, which is anticipated to account for around 80% of global mobile traffic by that time.

Increasing Demand for Mobile Data

Mobile data traffic saw a remarkable 19% increase year-on-year between the first quarter of 2024 and the same period in 2025. Even though the growth rate is showing signs of stabilization, the overall traffic is projected to continue rising steadily over the next few years. Specifically, the EMR forecasts that mobile data traffic could double by 2030.

As of the end of 2024, 5G networks already handled 35% of global mobile traffic. This shift not only changes how data is utilized but also how services are packaged and monetized. The advanced capabilities of 5G, such as mid-band coverage expansions—which reached over 50% in Europe by late 2024—allow for more robust network performances that can handle high-demand use cases.

Transformative Opportunities Through 5G

The June 2025 report emphasizes the transformative potential of 5G Standalone (5G SA) and 5G Advanced networks, which offer monetization opportunities beyond mere data volume sales. CSPs are actively pursuing diversified services tailored to varying customer needs, ranging from residential consumers to enterprise solutions. Notable use cases are emerging in broadcast and video production, retail point-of-sale systems, live events, gaming services, and virtual private networks.

In contributions from industry leaders like Erik Ekudden, the CTO of Ericsson, it has been articulated that we are nearing an inflection point in 5G innovation. Companies recognize the immense potential, and service providers are beginning to optimize this through flexible and innovative offerings that capture the imagination of a wide range of users by prioritizing connectivity and experience over sheer data metrics.

Future Insights and Continuous Growth

As the momentum continues, Ericsson plans to conduct seminars to provide further insights on the findings from the EMR. The goal is to equip businesses with knowledge to leverage the ongoing advancements in mobile network technologies effectively.

The full report and supporting details can be accessed on Ericsson's website, indicating that the upcoming years will likely see continued advancements in both service offerings and consumer engagements in the world of telecommunications. As the tech landscape evolves, the rise of 5G FWA will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping how consumers access broadband and how providers monetize their offerings. This will ultimately contribute to a more connected and efficient world where technology supports human creativity and productivity across various sectors.

For more information, you can access the full June 2025 Ericsson Mobility Report online.