5G networks: the 3 billion subscriber mark surpassed, 6G in sight

The 5G mobile communication standard continues its progress, while 6G is already starting to emerge. According to the latest Ericsson Mobility Report (EMR), 5G registered 62 million new subscribers in the first quarter of 2026, pushing the global total above 3 billion, double the figure observed in 2023. Exponential growth expected by 2031. Growth will continue and is expected to reach 6.4 billion by the end of 2031, in line with previous estimates from the end of 2023 (again) which predicted that the 5 billion mark would be reached in 2029. There are currently 390 5G access providers worldwide, and 5G networks accounted for 48% of all global traffic at the end of 2025. This figure will rise to 85% by the end of 2031. The impact of AI on the infrastructure of tomorrow. "With the imminent transition “With the advent of physical AI, traffic patterns will fundamentally evolve as we move from centralized models in data centers to distributed and autonomous AI agents embedded in our devices, vehicles, and cities, typically connected via 5G,” said Erik Ekudden, Chief Technology Officer and EMR Publishing Manager at Ericsson. “Mobile networks are no longer just about providing the best possible connectivity; they are becoming a critical and intelligent infrastructure capable of meeting diverse application needs.” 6G on track for the next decade. As for 6G, the first specifications should be finalized by the end of 2028 or early 2029, for commercial deployment around 2030.