Despite the post-hype disillusionment that always accompanies a new technology, the global number of 5G users accelerated in the third quarter, adding more than 170 million 5G connections, according to data from 5G Americas and Omdia. 5G connections are projected to hit 8.4 billion by 2029, accounting for 59 percent of all global wireless technologies.
North America had the most 5G connections with 264 million, and it is projected to surpass 4G some time next year when it hits 391 million connections. During the quarter, the region added 22 million new 5G connections, marking a 9 percent growth rate. Notably, 5G now accounts for 37 percent of all wireless connections in North America, more than double the global average of 17 percent. The region is on track to see 5G connections surpass 4G LTE connections in 2025.
“North America’s advanced network infrastructure and widespread access to 5G-enabled devices are fueling rapid adoption,” said Kristin Paulin, principal analyst at Omdia. “With standalone 5G networks and mid-band spectrum deployments expanding, the region is poised to see further growth in enterprise and consumer use cases.”
