Ericsson released its latest "Mobile Trends Report," predicting that the number of global 2025G users will exceed 5 billion by the end of 29 and reach 2030 billion by 63, accounting for approximately two-thirds of all mobile network users. It also estimates that by the end of 2030, up to 80% of global mobile data traffic will be transmitted over 5G networks. With the rapid development of generative AI and AR devices, mobile networks are rapidly evolving into the core of next-generation computing and connectivity.
The report indicates that mobile data traffic will grow at an annual rate of 2024% between the first quarter of 2025 and the first quarter of 19. Despite this slowdown, the long-term trend remains stable. Currently, 35% of mobile data traffic comes from 5G networks, and this proportion is expected to exceed 2030% by the end of XNUMX. This is driven by two major application trends: the continued entry of new terminal devices (such as AR glasses) into the market and the surge in computing demand to support multimodal generative AI.
Ericsson stated that AI-generated applications are not only becoming a key selling point for smartphones, but related technologies are also reshaping the design and performance requirements of mobile networks. Uplink bandwidth and low latency are key thresholds for the AI application experience. Currently, the average downlink to uplink traffic ratio on mobile networks globally is 90:10, but uplink traffic in AI applications accounts for as much as 26%, making 5G standalone (SA) networking a core technology for achieving differentiated connectivity and real-time interactive experiences.
The report also indicates that over 80% of telecom operators worldwide currently offer fixed wireless access (FWA) services, with 57% leveraging 5G networks for high-speed FWA applications. 5G FWA, with its rapid deployment, cost advantages, and diverse service offerings, has become a key revenue source for telecom operators. FWA is particularly promising for areas lacking fiber infrastructure, effectively narrowing the digital divide and driving the digitalization of society.
Ericsson Taiwan General Manager Zhou Daqi stated that by 2030, 5G penetration in Northeast Asia, including Taiwan, is expected to reach 85%. Combined with personalized AI agent services, RedCap lightweight technology, and the introduction of 5G SA architecture, future networks will no longer be simply "best-effort" transmission channels, but will become key platforms that provide instant responsiveness and differentiated performance.
Furthermore, the report indicates that over half of global telecom operators offering FWA services have adopted a "pay-for-speed" pricing model, representing an 11% increase compared to last year, reflecting rising consumer demand for stable, high-speed connections. The Asia-Pacific region's share of global FWA connections is projected to increase from 40% today to 2030% by 51, with Taiwan poised to become a key market for FWA growth.
As global telecom operators accelerate their deployment of 5G SA, the number of global 2030G SA users is projected to reach 5 billion by 37. The report also shares numerous SA application examples, including enterprise digital transformation, live broadcast production, venue connectivity, gaming, and enterprise private networks. Taiwanese telecom operators have already conducted differentiated connectivity testing for live broadcasting and other areas, and anticipate launching commercial 1G SA services within the next one to two years, ushering in the next wave of mobile network service monetization.
