Highlights

• Global mobile subscriptions expected to exceed 10 billion by 2030, with 5G leading the way.
• Nokia report forecasts 4G and 5G to represent 92% of total global mobile connections.
• India’s telecom sector set to fully embrace 5G, aiming for nationwide coverage by 2024.

The telecommunication landscape is set to reach new heights as we head towards 2030, with Nokia’s latest ‘Global Network Traffic 2030’ report indicating a surge in mobile technology adoption.

A staggering leap in mobile subscriptions is projected, with figures anticipated to hit the 10.3 billion mark globally.

This boom is expected to be propelled largely by the massive uptake of 4G and 5G networks, which are predicted to constitute 92 percent of all mobile subscriptions.

Growing Mobile Connectivity and 5G Coverage

The forecasted data doesn’t just reveal an impressive quantity of mobile subscriptions but also a substantial shift in the quality of mobile connectivity.

With an expected average data usage reaching 46.4GB per subscriber each month, it’s clear that data-intensive applications will become the norm, underlining the need for robust, high-speed mobile networks.

This growth in mobile connectivity is mirrored by the advancements in 5G technology, set to account for just over half of all global mobile subscriptions.

The rapid expansion of 5G is not limited to advanced economies; emerging markets, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, are also adopting this next-generation technology at a swift pace.

India is a case in point, where telecom giants Airtel and Reliance Jio are aggressively deploying 5G networks.

With initiatives such as Airtel’s pledge to blanket the country with 5G by March 2024, it’s clear that India is not just participating in but actively shaping the global 5G narrative.

Fixed Wireless Access Networks on the Rise

Another pivotal development highlighted in Nokia’s report is the ascendance of fixed wireless access (FWA), forecasted to hit around 271 million connections by the end of the decade.

FWA is lauded for its capacity to deliver high-speed internet wirelessly, presenting a practical solution for internet deployment in remote and rural areas, which are often logistically and economically challenging to reach with traditional wired infrastructures.

The Asia-Pacific region is poised to lead the charge in FWA adoption, with expectations set for it to host over 121 million connections by 2030.

India’s contribution to this trend is noteworthy, with Airtel and Jio launching their respective 5G-based FWA offerings, named Airtel Xstream AirFiber and JioAirFiber.

Currently available in key metropolitan areas, these services are indicative of the country’s commitment to broadening the reach of high-speed internet access, setting the stage for an inclusive digital future.

FAQs

What does Nokia’s ‘Global Network Traffic 2030’ report predict about mobile subscriptions?

Nokia’s report forecasts that global mobile subscriptions will surpass 10 billion by 2030. The substantial increase is largely due to the adoption of 5G technology, which is expected to account for over half of all global mobile subscriptions.

How will the adoption of 4G and 5G impact data consumption?

With the widespread adoption of 4G and 5G networks, data consumption is predicted to skyrocket to an average of 46.4GB per subscriber each month by 2030. This increase will support more data-intensive applications and services.

What role will India play in the global adoption of 5G technology?

India is positioned to be a significant player in the 5G domain, with major telecom operators like Airtel and Jio expanding 5G services rapidly. The country is on track to achieve nationwide 5G coverage by 2024, contributing to the global 5G subscription count significantly.

What growth is expected in the Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) sector by 2030?

The FWA sector is projected to expand to around 271 million connections by 2030, with the Asia-Pacific region, including India, leading with a forecasted 121 million FWA subscriptions. FWA offers a viable solution for providing high-speed internet to hard-to-reach areas.

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