5G Expected to Grow at Record Rate, Ericsson Says as It Boosts 2026 Forecast

Ericsson predicted 5G subscriptions will hit 1.9 billion, up about a quarter from a previous forecast and with 35 percent of traffic carried on 5G networks, all by the end of 2024. That's the fastest growth for any new generation of wireless. “5G is on a roll,” the company said Tuesday: During Q2 “several markets switched on 5G following the introduction of new 5G-compatible smartphones. Some communications service providers have set ambitious targets of reaching up to 90 percent population coverage within the first year.” The number of mobile subscriptions worldwide grew 2 percent year-on-year to 7.9 billion in Q1, the report said.