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Growing Demand for Data-Intensive Mobile Services

In a world increasingly reliant on technology, the mobile connectivity landscape is undergoing a seismic shift. According to a recent report by ABI Research, mobile data traffic is projected to surge threefold, reaching over 5,241 exabytes (EB) by 2030. This explosive growth, marked by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 23% from 2025 onward, is primarily driven by a burgeoning appetite for bandwidth-intensive services. Users today are consuming more data than ever, with high-definition video streaming, immersive gaming, and a multitude of always-connected applications at the forefront.

Slow Subscriber Growth Despite Increased Data Consumption

While subscriber growth is expected to only increase marginally, at a rate of 0.17% annually, reaching 5.659 billion globally by 2030, the real transformation lies in the manner and quantity of data utilized by users. The slowing growth in subscriptions can be attributed to market saturation, particularly in mature markets where most potential customers already possess mobile subscriptions.

Samuel Bowling, a Research Analyst at ABI Research, elaborates, "While many emerging markets witness subscriber growth fueled by rising populations and mobile service accessibility, challenges such as economic constraints and infrastructure inadequacies impede faster adoption of technology. The focal point is shifting to the amount of data individual users consume."

The Role of 5G in Meeting Demand

As data consumption escalates, networks must adapt accordingly. The rollout of 5G is poised to play a pivotal role in this evolution. With its advanced capabilities, including faster speeds and ultra-low latency, 5G networks are set to accommodate the growing demands of services reliant on high bandwidth. Between 2025 and 2030, the introduction of 5G technology is projected to add remarkable growth, contributing an estimated rise of 2,200 EB in global data traffic as more users migrate to these networks.

Despite the rapid ascent of 5G, existing 4G networks are not fading away quite yet. In fact, even as subscribers to 4G decline—expected to drop to around 1.4 billion—data consumption on these networks is continuing to grow at a considerable rate of 16% per year. This indicates a lasting role for 4G as a vital network supporting significant data usage across various terrains.

India: A Rising Power in Mobile Data Consumption

Regionally, India is projected to contribute massively to global mobile data consumption, aided by a youthful population, enhanced 5G deployment, and some of the world's most economical data plans. The country’s mobile data traffic could reach an impressive 1,275 EB by 2030, highlighting its robust growth potential in this sector.

Conversely, older technologies like 2G and 3G are rapidly declining, with their subscriptions expected to plummet as countries such as Sweden and Israel plan to phase out these legacy networks by 2026.

Network Performance Over Subscriber Numbers

Bowling emphasizes a crucial point for operators competing in mobile markets: "Sustained success will depend more on the performance of networks and user experience rather than sheer subscription numbers. With data traffic increasing at a rate surpassing subscription gains, the focus must shift to optimizing network efficiency, implementing effective data monetization strategies, and addressing the demands of digital services of the future. Adaptability will be key for success in the coming decade."

This analysis stems from ABI Research's Network Technology and Market Tracker report, which is part of their ongoing research into 5G, 6G, and Open RAN systems. ABI Research stands out for being a leading global technology intelligence firm, connecting the dots between technology solutions and market needs, thereby providing organizations with vital insights needed for effective implementation and successful customer engagement.