A total of 220 million 5G subscriptions are expected by the end of 2020

Ericsson Mobility Report findings revealed that a total of 220 million 5G subscriptions are expected by the end of 2020.

The recent report highlighted that despite the uncertainty caused by the COVID 19 pandemic, service providers continued to switch on 5G and more than 100 have now announced commercial 5G service launches.

The first 5G standalone (SA) networks have also been launched. The net addition of mobile subscriptions was low during Q3 2020 – 11 million.

This is likely due to the pandemic and associated lockdown restrictions. For the long term, the mobile subscriptions outlook has been slightly adjusted downwards, as multiple and inactive subscriptions are being removed.

“We now forecast 8.8 billion mobile subscriptions by the end of 2026.
5G subscriptions with a 5G-capable device grew by around 50 million during the quarter to reach around 150 million. ” reads the report.

Through the report, Ericsson Telecommunication Company informs that “We have increased our estimate for the number of 5G subscriptions at the end of 2020, and now forecast 220 million.”

This is mainly due to a faster uptake in China than previously expected, driven by a national strategic focus, intense competition between service providers and more affordable 5G smartphones from several vendors.

Over the forecast period, 5G subscription uptake is expected to be significantly faster than that of 4G (LTE), following its launch back in 2009.