Global subscriptions to fifth-generation mobile networks surpassed 3.1 billion users during the first quarter of 2026, according to data released by Ericsson. The telecommunications equipment provider reported an increase of 162 million new connections during that three-month period. These findings were presented at the company’s Mobility Trends Forum as part of the latest edition of its Mobility Report.
The report projects continued rapid expansion, forecasting that the total number of 5G users will exceed 6.4 billion by the end of 2031. Northeast Asia, including Taiwan, is expected to lead this growth with more than 90% 5G penetration in that timeframe. Additionally, the share of global mobile data traffic carried by 5G networks is anticipated to rise from nearly half in 2025 to 85% by 2031.
Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) has emerged as a significant revenue opportunity for service providers. The data shows that 83% of telecom operators globally now offer FWA services, with 71% launching 5G-based versions, a sharp increase from 57% a year prior. Ericsson noted that operators in markets such as Taiwan are increasingly viewing these services as a primary source of new revenue growth.
Artificial intelligence is identified as a key driver for next-generation connected devices and services. The report highlights the expected transformation of user interactions through AI-powered smartphones, smart glasses, autonomous vehicles, and wearable devices. Global shipments of AI and augmented reality smart glasses reached approximately 10 million units in 2025 and are projected to maintain double-digit annual growth. This shift is expected to triple uplink traffic between 2025 and 2031 as devices generate more video and sensor data.
Ericsson stated that 5G Standalone and 5G Advanced technologies are enabling enterprises to accelerate AI adoption. While 88% of businesses expect their AI solutions to depend on real-time data, only 18% have widely deployed the secure mobile connectivity required to support these applications. More than 90 of the approximately 390 operators offering commercial 5G services have already deployed 5G Standalone networks. Ericsson expects 5G Standalone subscriptions to reach around 3.9 billion by 2031, accounting for roughly 60% of all 5G users.
David Chou, President of Ericsson Taiwan, described the industry as entering an era of “Physical AI,” where distributed AI agents in devices and smart cities will rely on 5G connectivity. He noted that mobile networks are evolving from best-effort connectivity into intelligent infrastructure capable of supporting differentiated services through technologies such as network slicing. Commercial network slicing services have grown rapidly, with more than 80 services now available globally, representing an annual growth rate of 58%.
