5G networks : modern capabilities with real-world impacts

Transform your network strategy with 5G’s ultra-fast speeds, low-latency performance, and scalable connectivity.

5G subscriptions are projected to nearly hit 2.9 billion by late 2025, accounting for roughly one-third of all mobile connections, with data traffic carried by 5G expected to surge from 35% in 2024 to 80% by 2030

Why 5G matters now

5G - short for fifth generation cellular - builds on 4G to deliver more than faster speeds. It’s designed to support diverse applications thanks to three mandatory performance categories: 

• eMBB (Enhanced Mobile Broadband) for faster, denser data use,
• URLLC (Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communications) for critical real-time applications,
• mMTC (Massive Machine-Type Communications) for connecting vast numbers of IoT devices.

Updated 2025 capabilities and adoption trends 

• Global scale: As of end-Q1 2025, there are 2.4 billion 5G connections, poised to reach 2.9 billion by year-end, roughly one-third of all mobile subscriptions.
• Future growth: Forecasts predict 3 billion 5G subscriptions by 2030, with Standalone (SA) architecture rising to about 3.7 billion.
• Regional penetration: In 2025, North America leads at roughly 71%, followed by North-East Asia (52%), GCC (~45%), and Western Europe (41%).
• Traffic share: 5G accounted for 35% of mobile traffic in 2024, projected to reach 80% by 2030.  

Most impactful 5G use cases 

1. Smart cities and utilities: Traffic management, public safety, energy optimization.
2. Autonomous and V2X mobility: Real-time vehicle communication to prevent accidents.
3. Remote healthcare and telemedicine: HD video calls, remote diagnostics, robotic-assisted procedures.
4. Industrial automation and private networks: Smart factories, predictive maintenance, secure enterprise connectivity. Recent deployments include Verizon’s private 5G network at the Thames Freeport in the UK and India’s first industrial captive 5G by BSNL at NRL.
5. AR/VR and immersive services: Enabling low-latency and high-bandwidth content for entertainment and training.
6. Fixed wireless access (FWA): High-speed broadband where fibre is unavailable - second most common use case after eMBB.
7. 5G broadcast and network slicing: Emerging broadcast services (Europe trials) and customizable virtual network segments for tailored performance.
8. Innovative sensing applications: TPG’s trial in Australia uses 5G signals for flood monitoring via AI analytics.
9. Global connectivity through non-terrestrial networks (NTN), i.e. satellites as a complement to terrestrial networks

Technology evolution: 5G-Advanced (5G-A) 

The next step, known as 5G-Advanced (3GPP Release 18), brings: 

• Peak speeds around 10 Gbps
• Support for up to 100 billion connected devices
• AI/ML for smarter network operation
• Enhanced network slicing and edge capabilities
• Precise geolocation without GPS

Key considerations for mobile network operators 

• Stand-alone (SA) adoption enables full 5G benefits and new monetization through differentiated services.
• Spectrum strategy is crucial: mid-band gives balanced coverage and capacity; high-band (mmWave) offers ultra-high speed at shorter ranges.
• Infrastructure needs: achieving low latency (URRLC) often requires fibre-connected base stations.
• Energy and efficiency: 5G SA and advanced technologies improve performance per watt, essential for sustainable networks.
• Security architecture: must evolve to safeguard diverse services - including IoT, edge computing, AI, and mission-critical applications — especially in the context of increasingly stringent national security regulations..

5G’s strategic role for telecoms 

By 2025, 5G has transformed from promise to reality. With billions of subscriptions, expanding use cases - particularly in private, industrial, and immersive domains - and the emergence of 5G-Advanced, operators are positioned to innovate, monetize, and lead in a hyper-connected future.