Significant Growth in 5G Standalone Deployments and Connectivity Services by 2025

Transformation of Connectivity Services with 5G SA

The publication of the November 2025 Ericsson Mobility Report has sparked a wave of interest as it highlights significant advancements in the landscape of connectivity services. With the deployment of 5G Standalone (5G SA) networks, communications service providers (CSPs) are rapidly adopting differentiated commercial models, a trend anticipated to continue well into the next decade. The report emphasizes that more than 90 CSPs have either launched or soft-launched their 5G SA networks, marking an increase of approximately 30 providers compared to last year.

As per the report, there are currently 33 CSPs offering diversified connectivity services through network slicing, which allows for tailored quality assurance in service delivery. This innovation is crucial, as it enables CSPs to cater to distinct customer use cases rather than merely providing data volume packages. Remarkably, out of 118 identified cases where network slicing is utilized, 65 have transitioned into commercial services. Nearly a third of these offerings emerged during 2025 alone, indicating a robust push towards modernization within the sector.

Erik Ekudden, CTO of Ericsson and the publisher of the EMR, expressed optimism about the industry’s shift towards 5G SA, stating, "Service providers globally are eager to adopt 5G SA for differentiated connectivity features that provide added value beyond standard data transmission." This clearly reflects an ongoing trend where CSPs not only increase their subscriber base but also enhance service variety, paving the way for a future reliant on robust connectivity services.

Future Projections for 5G and 6G Technologies

Looking ahead, the EMR forecasts an astonishing 6.4 billion 5G subscriptions by the end of 2031, which will account for approximately two-thirds of all mobile subscriptions. The 5G subscription numbers are projected to surge to 2.9 billion by the end of 2025, showcasing a year-on-year increase of 600 million subscriptions. This explosive growth is further evidenced by an estimated 400 million additional people gaining access to 5G during 2025 alone, with nearly half of the global population outside of mainland China expected to have coverage by year-end.

Moreover, Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) continues to expand as a vital 5G application, with expectations that around 1.4 billion individuals will utilize FWA broadband by the close of 2031, and 90% of these connections will use 5G technology. The report highlights that 159 entities are currently providing FWA services, representing nearly 65% of the total FWA service market, showcasing a significant increase in consumer demand.

The Emergence of 6G and Global Trends

The report also notes the trajectory of 6G, with the anticipation of its first commercial deployments commencing about a year later in Europe than in various leading markets including the U.S., Japan, and South Korea. Global subscriptions for 6G are estimated to reach approximately 180 million by 2031, setting the stage for an interconnected future.

In conclusion, as encapsulated in the November 2025 report, the landscape of mobile connectivity is steadily evolving, fostering an environment that supports a variety of tailored services and significant growth in user subscriptions. The advent of 5G SA and forward-looking initiatives like 6G signify a remarkable shift towards a more connected world, redefining how customers engage with telecommunications.

For more details, the full report is available here.

Related Use Cases and Innovations

In addition, the EMR features intriguing use-case studies co-authored by significant industry players, including how Singtel is enhancing experiences with 5G SA, Softbank's modernization of enterprise IT, and how SailGP is optimizing operations and viewer enjoyment through innovative 5G solutions. These studies are excellent examples of the real-world applications of emerging technologies.

For those interested in understanding these trends more deeply, Ericsson will be hosting seminars related to the Mobility Report today at 09:00 CET and 18:00 CET. Interested participants can register via the provided link.

Ericsson has positioned itself as a leader in providing technological solutions for mobile communications, as they continue to shape the future of connectivity with over 140 years of innovation.