Ericsson Reports 5G and FWA Growth in Gulf Region
Ericsson has revealed new insights into 5G and Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) trends in the June 2025 edition of its Mobility Report. The company highlighted strong momentum in 5G adoption and FWA deployment across the Gulf region and globally.
According to the report, global 5G subscriptions are expected to exceed 2.9 billion by the end of 2025. By 2030, 5G networks are projected to handle 80 percent of global mobile traffic.
In the Gulf, 5G is forecast to represent 90 percent of all mobile subscriptions by 2030, reaching 86 million.
Ericsson noted that demand for high-speed broadband alternatives and national smart city goals are driving strong FWA adoption. FWA is set to make up over 35 percent of new fixed broadband connections, growing to 350 million by the end of 2030.
The report emphasized the role of 5G FWA in expanding broadband coverage in areas where wired infrastructure is not feasible.
Ericsson also reported that 5G networks handled 35 percent of global mobile traffic by the end of 2024. This figure is expected to increase to more than 80 percent by 2030.
In the Gulf, service providers are evolving from traditional telcos to digital service providers. This shift is being powered by technologies such as artificial intelligence, edge computing, cloud, and 5G.
From 2024 to 2030, mobile subscriptions in GCC countries are projected to grow at an annual rate of 3 percent, reaching 95 million. By 2030, 5G will account for 90% of mobile subscriptions in the Gulf.
FWA is helping close connectivity gaps and support smart city goals.
Ericsson reported that CSPs are also exploring monetization opportunities through 5G Standalone (5G SA) and 5G Advanced. These enable new services based on quality and performance instead of just data volume.
The report includes use cases for sectors such as gaming, live events, point-of-sale, VPNs, and media production.
It also features a study on how Generative AI may impact mobile network traffic and a collaborative article with Sony. The article highlights how dynamic slicing and QoD APIs can enhance live media production over 5G.
Petra Schirren, President of Ericsson Gulf at Ericsson Europe, Middle East and Africa, said the region is characterized by high 5G penetration and digital ambition. She noted that Gulf service providers are delivering customized experiences powered by advanced technologies like AI and FWA.
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