Lionel Sujay Vailshery
Research expert covering cloud computing and emerging tech industries
5G - statistics & facts
The rollout and adoption of fifth generation (5G) mobile networks has dominated the telecommunications sector in recent years. 5G is the newest operational iteration of mobile technology and offers a range of improvements over 4G, most notably improved download speeds, greater bandwidth, and reduced latency. The rollout of 5G is set to bring benefits across multiple industry sectors, particularly those involving internet of things and artificial intelligence applications in which the real-time transfer of data is crucial. More broadly, the adoption of 5G is expected to accompany increased data use across the globe, with forecasts anticipating mobile data traffic of over 300 exabytes per month by 2030, more than twice the volume consumed in 2024.
5G adoption is set to soar in developed regions
In 2023, almost one fifth of connections worldwide used 5G technology, with this share set to surpass 50 percent by the end of the decade. However, regional disparity is expected to persist, with the availability of 5G infrastructure, high costs imposed by network operators, and the availability of 5G handsets continuing to impact consumer uptake. North America is on track to surpass 90 percent adoption by 2030, while adoption in Sub-Saharan Africa is projected to remain below 20 percent. However, it has been suggested that 5G could play a key role in bridging the digital divide in the form of fixed wireless access (FWA). 5G FWA services use 5G networks to deliver high-speed broadband internet in regions without fixed broadband infrastructure.South Korea has by far the fastest 5G download speeds
5G services are often ranked by the average download speed experienced by users. South Korea recorded by far the highest average speed in 2025 at 435 Mbps, well ahead of second-placed Bulgaria at 199 Mbps. Varying speeds across markets and networks are largely attributed to differing telecommunications infrastructure. One factor impacting network experience is the bandwidth spectrum licensed for use by 5G operators, with higher bands offering superior speeds at the expense of reach. Meanwhile, much emphasis has been placed on the rollout of 5G standalone (5G SA) networks, which do not utilize legacy 4G equipment and as such can offer a superior user experience.The EU seeks to drive 5G expansion
Despite the benefits of 5G being broadly agreed, the rollout of 5G infrastructure has posed challenges for governments, requiring significant capital investment and close collaboration with network operators and regulators. In Europe, for example, the European Union has sought to ease the region’s 5G rollout with a unified regulatory environment and support for cross-border 5G corridors, recognizing the critical role of 5G networks in driving economic growth.
