According to a recent report by Ericsson, India witnessed a significant increase in 5G mobile subscriptions, reaching approximately 10 million by the conclusion of 2022. The study forecasts a significant surge to approximately 700 million subscriptions by the conclusion of 2028, accounting for approximately 57% of the total mobile subscriptions in the country.
Navigating the 5G Landscape
5G represents the latest advancement in wireless cellular technology, encompassing various enhancements over its predecessor, 4G. It provides significantly faster upload and download speeds, ensuring a more consistent and reliable connection for users. With its improved capacity, 5G has the potential to revolutionize the way we access social networks and information on the internet.
The advent of 5G brings about transformative possibilities for several sectors and applications. Additionally, 5G facilitates seamless live streaming of media content, ensuring uninterrupted high-definition video playback and a smoother overall viewing experience.
Let’s Dive In
Based on the Mobility Report, there is a projected considerable increase in average data traffic per smartphone in India. It is estimated to rise from 26GB per month in 2022 to approximately 62GB per month in 2028. This growth reflects the growing dependence on smartphones for various activities such as streaming, online gaming, and remote work.
The report emphasizes the dominant presence of smartphones in India’s mobile landscape. Smartphone subscriptions, in terms of the percentage of total mobile subscriptions, are expected to climb from 76% in 2021 to a remarkable 93% in 2028. In contrast, 4G subscriptions are predicted to decline from 820 million in 2022 to 500 million by 2028.
According to Nitin Bansal, the Head of Ericsson India, “Mobile networks continue to play a pivotal role in driving social and economic inclusion in the country. The strong digital infrastructure being established in India will help the country bridge the digital divide, create jobs, drive entrepreneurship and boost the economy”.
The report predicts a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5% for smartphone subscriptions in India. By 2028, the number of smartphone subscriptions is projected to surpass 1.14 billion, compared to 840 million recorded at the end of 2021. This growth signifies the increasing affordability and accessibility of smartphones to a wider segment of the population.
Moreover, the report estimates that India’s total mobile data traffic will experience a notable surge, escalating from 18 exabytes (EB) per month in 2022 to 58 EB per month in 2028, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22%. This exponential growth highlights the need for continuous infrastructure development to meet the increasing demand for steadfast and high-speed connectivity.
Globally, more than 240 communication service providers (CSPs) have already introduced commercial 5G services, with approximately 35 of them deploying or launching 5G standalone (SA) networks. These figures illustrate the widespread implementation and adoption of 5G technology.
The report’s findings highlight the immense potential of the Indian mobile market, largely driven by the rapid adoption of 5G technology. The promising growth and opportunities in the sector reflect the transformative impact of 5G on various industries and sectors within the country.
