Ericsson's June 2026 Mobility Report reveals that global 5G mobile subscriptions reached 3.1 billion in the first quarter of 2026, underscoring increasing demand for advanced connectivity worldwide. The report, released on Tuesday, indicates that 162 million new 5G subscriptions were added during the quarter, pushing global adoption beyond the 3 billion mark.
Projections for Future Growth
The report projects that global 5G subscriptions will more than double to 6.4 billion by 2031, driven by expanding network deployments and device availability. For Africa, the findings highlight opportunities to accelerate broadband access, digital inclusion, and enterprise connectivity through wider 5G adoption.
Nigeria's 5G Penetration on the Rise
The Ericsson report aligns with statistics from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), which reported steady growth in Nigeria's 5G penetration during the first quarter of 2026. According to NCC data, 5G penetration rose to 4.20% in March 2026, up from 4.06% in February, reflecting sustained consumer demand for faster internet speeds and improved network performance. This growth builds on momentum from January 2026, when penetration stood at 3.94%.
The month-on-month increase highlights the gradual expansion of 5G infrastructure by mobile network operators and the rising uptake of 5G-enabled devices among subscribers.
Global 5G Deployment and Traffic
The Ericsson report notes that approximately 390 service providers have launched commercial 5G services globally, with over 90 operators deploying 5G Standalone (SA) networks. By the end of 2025, 5G networks carried 48% of global mobile data traffic, a share expected to reach 85% by 2031.
Regions projected to achieve the highest adoption levels by 2031 include Western Europe, North America, North East Asia, and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. However, Africa has been identified as a region where Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) growth remains limited despite strong long-term potential. Broader deployment of 5G infrastructure and supportive policies can unlock significant opportunities across the continent.
Differentiated Connectivity and Network Slicing
The report highlights rising commercial adoption of differentiated connectivity services enabled by 5G SA network slicing technology. The number of such commercial offerings increased from 65 in November 2025 to 84 globally, reflecting a shift from early trials to mainstream deployment.
Ericsson's Chief Technology Officer and report publisher, Erik Ekudden, stated that mobile networks are evolving into intelligent digital infrastructure. He noted that the emergence of physical artificial intelligence would transform traffic patterns as AI becomes embedded in devices, vehicles, and smart cities. The growing deployment of 5G SA and network slicing is helping operators meet increasingly diverse connectivity requirements.
Fixed Wireless Access Growth
The report also highlights growing interest in 5G-powered fixed wireless access as operators seek new revenue streams. According to Ericsson, 71% of FWA providers now offer services over 5G, up from 57% a year earlier. Similarly, 57% of operators now offer speed-based tariff plans, up from 51% in June 2025.
New 5G FWA launches were recorded in Algeria, Argentina, Bangladesh, Morocco, Taiwan, Türkiye, and Vietnam during the review period. FWA adoption remains strongest in North America, Nordic countries, GCC markets, and parts of Asia.
Changing Network Usage Patterns
The report reveals changing network usage patterns, with uplink traffic increasingly growing faster than downlink traffic. This trend is attributed to increased use of collaboration applications, cloud storage services, and sharing of user-generated content through smartphones. Ericsson's network measurements show that 43 of 55 service providers recorded faster uplink growth than downlink traffic, with 17 operators experiencing uplink growth rates more than 1.5 times those of downlink traffic.
The company projects that AI-related applications could drive uplink traffic volumes to more than three times 2025 levels by 2031.
Data Traffic Growth and 6G Outlook
Network data traffic, covering both mobile broadband and FWA services, increased by 22% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026. This growth exceeded earlier expectations, driven mainly by strong demand in India and North America.
The report also highlights growing industry attention on sixth-generation (6G) mobile technology. Standardisation discussions are already underway, with integrated sensing and communication expected to be a key feature. Other anticipated capabilities include seamless integration of terrestrial and satellite networks, improved coverage, and stronger energy efficiency. Artificial intelligence will be a foundational element of future 6G networks and services.
Ericsson expects the first implementable 6G specifications to be completed between late 2028 and early 2029, with commercial deployments beginning around 2030. The United States, China, Japan, South Korea, and GCC countries are expected to lead adoption.
AI-Driven Enterprise Transformation
The report examines how mobile connectivity is supporting AI-driven enterprise transformation and the growth of AI-enabled extended reality applications. One case study developed with Qualcomm explores emerging opportunities for smart glasses and wearable technologies powered by AI and advanced networks.
Ericsson's findings reinforce the need for African countries to expand investments in digital infrastructure to remain competitive in the emerging AI-driven economy.
