How will 5G networks and smartphones thrive in the coming years?

Since 2011, Ericsson has been regularly publishing reports assessing the world of smartphones and mobile networks. In November, this tradition celebrated 10 years, so the company decided to create a special report that gives us an insight into the development of technology in the last decade. At the same time, he shares his assumptions for the future with us.

4G network and its best years

In November 2011, most mobile data was transferred via laptops with a mobile connection, but smartphones were slowly becoming more and more popular. Just two years earlier, 720 million smartphones were active, the first year in which monthly data traffic exceeded voice traffic. At the same time, it was the year that the 4G network was launched. However, a significant increase in 4G did not occur until 2014 and 2015, when it covered 40% of the population.

Today, the 4G connection uses 4.6 billion devices and the network is expected to peak at the end of this year with 4.7 billion devices. By the end of 2027, this value should fall to 3.3 billion, due to the transition of users to the new 5G network.

Ericsson: By the end of 2027, 75% of the population will have 5G network coverage

Subsequently, 5G came on the scene, which is expanding faster in the world than Ericsson predicted in 2015. It estimated that by the end of 2021, 150 million devices would be connected to the 5G network, but in reality this number reached 660 million, with the most users of the new The network is located in Northeast Asia.

Today, more than 180 providers around the world have launched a 5G network, and the network is expected to exceed one billion connected devices two years earlier than its 4G predecessor. The assumption is based on the timely availability of 5G-enabled devices and their rapidly declining price. This year alone, more than 400 5G smartphones have been launched, with new 5G models appearing in every price category. Ericsson estimates that in 2027, 5G will actively use 4.4 billion devices.

We are currently approaching the 2 billion mark, and according to the company, 75% of the population should have access to 5G by the end of 2027. 5G is also expected to be the fastest built mobile network in history.

5G delivers insane bit rates that may seem unnecessarily exaggerated and unusable at first glance. However, they have a place in the future, which is indicated by several incoming technological innovations, such as cloud gaming or virtual reality. 5G will also provide space for the development of smart sites, cloud offices or, for example, secure networks on campus.

Smartphone sales are rising. Ericsson sees a future in VR and folding devices

Today, there are approximately 8.1 billion devices that are connected to the mobile network. The company expects that number to rise to 8.9 billion by the end of 2027. Global smartphone sales increased by 19% year-on-year in the first half of 2021, but there is a risk that component supply issues will have a negative impact on sales in the second half of 2021.

Ericsson also anticipates that the popularity of innovative smartphones will increase in the near future. As far as 5G smartphones are concerned, the price of devices supporting mmWave technology is already falling rapidly due to growing competition. The company’s estimates also speak of folding smartphones, which will soon be affordable for ordinary users as well. There is also the advent of virtual and augmented reality, as manufacturers are investing more and more resources in this area.

Use of networks in our region

Central and Eastern Europe is currently dominated by a 4G network with 61% active devices and is expected to maintain its position until 2027 with 59%. 5G will have a 41% stake during this period. During the forecast period, the use of the 3G network will continue to decrease significantly, from the current 32% to practically zero.