By 2025, the world will reach 1.8 billion 5G connections—led by Developed Asia and North America, two regions that could each see nearly half of mobile connections operating on 5G networks.
This info graphic from Raconteur covers where we are on the roadmap towards 5G becoming main stream, and which regions are leading the way in connectivity.
Commercial Launches of 5G Networks
From its earliest iterations to the Internet of Things, we’ve surpassed three generations of wireless networks.
Now, 5G is at a tipping point.
5G is unique in that in order to actually start using the network, you need a device that works on it—unlike previous generations where they could simply switch over.
Moreover, carriers need to invest in the infrastructure to optimize network access and the density of devices using it.
As more operators buy into the technology, the latter is finally beginning to happen in some areas. Here’s how the total numbers break down across the world, as of mid-September 2020:
• 397 operators are investing in 5G mobile or 5G fixed wireless access/home broadband networks
• 118 operators have announced the deployment of 5G within their live network
• 96 operators have announced 3GPP (protocols for mobile telecomms) 5G service launches
Major phone operators and even tech companies are behind accelerating this change, from Vodafone to Verizon—and most recently; Microsoft has entered the playing field.
Need for Speed
As the number of 5G networks tick up, there will be an undeniable boost to mobile and broadband speeds (Mbps) across regions by 2023.
In particular, Asia Pacific will have the fastest broadband speeds at 157 Mbps while Western Europe will lead with 62 Mbps on mobile.
Faster speeds is one of several factors catapulting the promise of 5G networks to unlock transformations across entire industries, from manufacturing to healthcare.
