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The Future of Connectivity: Key Insights from Ericsson's 2025 Mobility Report

The Ericsson Mobility Report has been a critical touchstone for understanding the evolution of mobile communication, and its latest edition, released on November 20, 2025, sheds light on remarkable trends in the telecommunications sector. This year's report highlights the growing adoption of 5G Standalone (5G SA) technology and the rise of differentiated connectivity services driven by innovative network slicing techniques.

A Surge in Service Providers

As of late 2025, over 90 communications service providers (CSPs) have launched or soft-launched 5G SA networks, marking an increase of 30 from the previous year. This shift is significant as organizations push for differentiated service offerings rather than just volume-based data plans. The report identified a total of 118 cases across 56 CSPs using network slicing to develop unique connectivity services. Notably, 65 of these cases have transitioned from concept to commercial availability, spread across 33 CSPs. This reflects a booming marketplace for 5G services focused on enhancing consumer and enterprise experiences.

Forecasting the Future of Mobile Subscriptions

By the end of 2031, the report anticipates 6.4 billion 5G subscriptions, accounting for around two-thirds of all mobile subscriptions. The prediction includes approximately 2.9 billion subscriptions expected by the end of 2025, showcasing a growth trend expected to add 600 million new subscriptions each year. This surge represents a dynamic leap in connectivity solutions suited to meet global needs.

Fixed Wireless Access and Global Coverage

Another exciting aspect of the Mobility Report is the anticipated rise of Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) broadband, projected to serve up to 1.4 billion users by 2031, with 90% accessing services via 5G. By the close of 2025, it is estimated that 50% of the global population outside of mainland China will enjoy 5G coverage. The growing number of 159 providers offering FWA services underscores the increasing reliance on 5G as a backbone for broadband access.

Data Traffic Trends

The increase in mobile network data traffic, which surged by 20% from Q3 2024 to Q3 2025, primarily fueled by increased usage in China and India, suggests exciting shifts in user behavior and service provider strategies. This trend is expected to continue, with annual growth rates around 16% projected through 2031. This continued growth emphasizes the significance of 5G networks managing a greater share of total mobile data traffic, expected to climb to 83% by 2031.

A Look Ahead at 6G

Importantly, the report does not only focus on current technologies but also hints at the forthcoming advancements with 6G. Researchers predict that commercial 6G services could reach 180 million subscriptions by the end of 2031, particularly in leading markets such as the U.S., Japan, South Korea, and China. A timeline indicates that Europe may see a slightly delayed introduction, following the earlier rollouts in more technologically progressive regions.

Conclusion

Overall, the November 2025 Ericsson Mobility Report paints a compelling picture of a telecommunications landscape in rapid transformation. With increasing numbers of service providers engaging in 5G SA and leveraging network slicing techniques, the outlook for connectivity services is optimistic. Enhanced user experiences, widespread FWA, and upcoming shifts towards 6G frame an exciting horizon for the telecommunications industry. As CSPs continue to innovate and roll out new services, consumers can expect a more reliable and varied digital experience that meets the demands of modern life.

For those interested in further details, the Ericsson Mobility Report is available for download, providing an in-depth analysis and case studies that highlight these trends in action.