Thirty-three communications service providers worldwide now offer commercial services based on 5G Standalone network slicing technology, with nearly one-third of these launches occurring in 2025 alone, according to Ericsson’s November 2025 Mobility Report published last month. The technology enables operators to guarantee quality of service by allocating dedicated network resources for specific customer use cases.

Key Takeaways

  • 33 CSPs offer 65 commercial network slicing services, up from proof-of-concept deployments
  • 21 commercial offerings launched during 2025, signaling accelerated monetization strategies
  • Global 5G subscriptions forecast to reach 6.4 billion by end of 2031, comprising two-thirds of mobile subscriptions
  • Gulf Cooperation Council countries positioned among early 6G commercial deployment markets by 2030-2031

Network Slicing Moves Beyond Testing Phase

The report identified 118 network slicing implementations across 56 communications service providers globally. Of these, 65 have progressed beyond proof-of-concept stages into commercial subscription services or add-on packages for consumer and enterprise customers.

This represents significant growth from mid-2025, when approximately 20 fewer operators had launched 5G SA networks. More than 90 CSPs have now deployed or soft-launched 5G Standalone infrastructure, enabling the differentiated connectivity services.

“Service providers are deploying 5G SA to offer differentiated connectivity based on value services rather than just data volume packages,” said Erik Ekudden, Ericsson’s Chief Technology Officer. The company noted many operators transitioned from testing to commercial deployment within 2025.

Regional 6G Deployment Forecasts

The report introduces forecasts extending through 2031, including initial 6G commercial deployment projections. Based on previous mobile generation adoption patterns, researchers expect 180 million global 6G subscriptions by end of 2031, excluding AI-enabled Internet of Things devices.

Initial commercial 6G launches are anticipated in markets including the United States, Japan, South Korea, China, India, and Gulf Cooperation Council countries. However, European deployments are forecast to lag by approximately one year compared to other regions, primarily due to comparatively later 5G SA rollouts.

The subscription uptake projection could increase significantly if 6G deployment cycles accelerate beyond historical patterns.

5G Growth Trajectory Through 2031

Enhanced mobile broadband via 5G is forecast to reach 6.4 billion subscriptions by end of 2031, representing approximately 67 percent of all mobile subscriptions at that time. Of these, 4.1 billion subscriptions—roughly 65 percent—are expected to use 5G Standalone architecture.

By end of 2025, 5G subscriptions are projected to reach 2.9 billion globally, equating to one-third of current mobile subscriptions and representing a 600 million year-on-year increase. Coverage expansion added 400 million people to 5G access during 2025, with approximately 50 percent of the global population outside mainland China expected to have 5G coverage by year end.

Mobile network data traffic grew 20 percent between Q3 2024 and Q3 2025, slightly exceeding projections due to growth in mainland China and India. The report forecasts continued growth at an average annual rate of 16 percent through 2031.

Fixed Wireless Access Adoption

5G networks managed 43 percent of all mobile data by late 2025, up from 34 percent in the corresponding 2024 period. This proportion is forecast to reach 83 percent by 2031.

Fixed Wireless Access broadband continues expanding as a 5G use case. The report projects approximately 1.4 billion people globally will access FWA broadband by end of 2031, with 90 percent via 5G networks. Currently, 159 providers offer FWA services via 5G, representing roughly 65 percent of all FWA service providers.

The share of providers offering speed-based tariffs—a common fixed broadband monetization model—increased from 43 percent to 54 percent since November 2024. Additionally, the report includes case studies from Singtel, Softbank, and SailGP on 5G SA implementation.

What’s Next

The Ericsson Mobility Report, published biannually since 2011, provides network performance statistics and forecasts based on operator data. The next edition is expected in mid-2026, with updated subscription forecasts and commercial 6G deployment tracking as initial launches approach.