Ericsson Mobility Report: 5G Standalone, Network Slicing, and Early 6G Forecasts Revealed

5G Standalone (5G SA) deployments are accelerating, driving strong 2025 growth in the number of communications service providers (CSPs) that offer differentiated connectivity models based on 5G SA network slicing. These models allow CSPs to guarantee quality of service for customer use cases by allocating slices of the network. The findings are featured in the November 2025 Ericsson Mobility Report (EMR), which includes in-depth reporting, analysis and forecasts.

More than 90 CSPs have now launched or soft-launched 5G SA networks—an increase of roughly 30 from the same timeframe last year and 20 from the June 2025 EMR report.

EMR researchers identified 118 cases across 56 CSPs, where network slicing is being used to deliver differentiated connectivity services. Of these 118 use cases, 65 have progressed beyond proof of concept into commercial services, spanning 33 CSPs and delivered either as subscription services or add-on packages for consumer or enterprise customers.

Notably, 21 of the 65 commercial offerings—almost one-third—were launched during 2025 alone.

"We see that service providers around the world are keen to embrace and deploy 5G SA to offer differentiated connectivity based on value services and not just data volume packages," EMR Publisher and Ericsson CTO, Erik Ekudden, says. "As reflected in the case studies in this EMR edition, 5G SA is already enabling differentiated connectivity opportunities. We've seen many service providers go from proof-of-concept to commercial deployment in 2025 alone, and we expect to see that trend continuing."

Expanded Forecast Horizon and Early 6G Outlook

The November 2025 EMR introduces a new forecast window covering 2025–2031, including the first expected commercial 6G deployments. Based on previous mobile-generation adoption cycles, EMR researchers expect initial launches to be driven by leading service providers in front-runner markets—United States, Japan, South Korea, China, India and some Gulf Cooperation Council countries.

Global 6G subscriptions are forecast to reach 180 million by the end of 2031, excluding early adoption by AI-enabled IoT devices. This figure could increase significantly if 6G launches earlier than historical patterns suggest.

In Europe, commercial 6G is expected to launch about a year later, compared to other countries, than was the case for 5G, primarily due to comparably later deployments of 5G SA.

5G Subscriptions, Coverage and Traffic Growth

Enhanced mobile broadband remains a major 5G use case. By the end of 2031, 5G subscriptions are projected to reach 6.4 billion, representing around two-thirds of all mobile subscriptions. Of these, 4.1 billion (around 65%) are expected to be 5G SA.

In 2025 alone, 5G subscriptions are expected to surpass 2.9 billion, accounting for almost one-third of all mobile subscriptions—an increase of around 600 million subscriptions year-on-year.

Global 5G coverage also expanded in 2025, with an additional 400 million people gaining access. By year-end, around 50% of the global population beyond mainland China is expected to have 5G coverage.

Mobile network data traffic grew 20% between Q3 2024 and Q3 2025, slightly above expectations, driven by mainland China and India. An average annual growth of 16% is projected through 2031.

By the end of 2025, 5G networks are expected to carry 43% of all mobile data traffic, up from 34% a year earlier. This share is forecast to rise to 83% by 2031.

Fixed Wireless Access Continues Strong Momentum

Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) remains a key 5G use case. The EMR forecasts that by the close of 2031, around 1.4 billion people globally will access FWA broadband, with 90% served via 5G.

EMR researchers identified 159 providers currently offering 5G FWA services—about 65% of all FWA service providers. The share offering speed-based tariffs, a common monetization model in fixed broadband via fiber or cable, has increased from 43% to 54% since the November 2024 EMR.

Source: Ericsson

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