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Journalism of Courage
Even though 5G has been transforming global connectivity, we are still in the early stages of this revolution. On Tuesday, November 26, Ericsson introduced its Ericsson Mobility and ConsumerLab Reports. The reports presented by Umang Jindal, head of network solutions, software and performance, southeast Asia, Oceania and India, Ericsson, and Jasmeet Sethi, head of ConsumerLab, Ericsson, showcase some interesting trends on the expansion of the 5G network, shifting consumer behaviour, and what lies ahead.
While introducing the Mobility report, Jindal outlined the stellar growth of mobile subscriptions worldwide. “We currently have about 8.7 billion mobile subscriptions, and this is expected to rise to 9.5 billion by 2030,” he said. “Of these, 6.3 billion will be on 5G networks, with 3.6 billion operating on standalone (SA) networks.” Jindal said that such massive investments in 5G SA networks signal an era of new services and enhanced connectivity.
The Ericsson executive said that India is a crucial player at the forefront of the rapid adoption of 5G. “India launched 5G with a record 95% coverage, setting an unprecedented milestone globally. By the end of 2024, we expect 270 million 5G subscriptions in India, growing to 970 million by 2030,” Jindal said.
Notably, the rise in data consumption levels coincide with the widespread adoption of 5G. According to the report, India has the highest average monthly usage per smartphone at 32 GB, and this is expected to grow to 66 GB by 2039 at a CAGR of 13 per cent.
On the other hand, Sethi said that 5G deployment was moving on from its initial phase of coverage and speed enhancements to the second phase that is focused on use cases and experiences.“It’s about delivering exceptional connectivity in high-demand environments, like stadiums, shopping malls, or transportation hubs,” Sethi explained.
He emphasised the need to tailor networks for various scenarios, citing stadiums as an example. “Take the Taylor Swift ‘Eras Tour,’ where each concert generated unprecedented data traffic, exceeding even major sporting events. This is where the next phase of 5G will truly be tested,” he said.
According to Sethi, when it comes to India, where the live entertainment scene is booming with events such as IPL matches and concerts, similar challenges are likely to arise. “Most networks today are designed for downlink, not uplink. Yet, during concerts or large events, uplink traffic surges as people livestream their experiences. Ensuring reliable connectivity in such moments is critical,” Sethi said.
Based on the findings of the report, it seems consumer expectations are rapidly evolving. Sethi said that although speed and coverage were crucial at one point, the shift is now towards guaranteed performance. “64% of Indian consumers who attend concerts and similar events anticipate network issues despite having 5G. They’re willing to pay extra for guaranteed performance,” he said. Research shows that users are open to reallocating 10–12% of their current spending toward applications that promise seamless experiences.
According to him, this willingness opens doors to differentiated connectivity. “Today, 5G networks operate on a best-effort basis, with no guarantees. The future lies in offering tailored plans with assured performance—whether it’s for latency, uplink speeds, or reliability,” Sethi said. He drew parallels with airport security queues, where resources are allocated based on passenger needs, ensuring a smooth experience for all.
Meanwhile, Jindal elaborated on the technological backbone enabling such differentiation. “Advanced slicing allows operators to allocate resources efficiently, meeting the unique demands of gamers, broadcasters, or even financial transactions requiring absolute reliability,” he said.
The reports also delve into new application categories, especially generative AI and content creation. According to the report, India has emerged as a leader in Gen AI adoption, overtaking big global markets in terms of diversity and intensity of use. “Indian consumers trust AI more than their counterparts in the US, embracing its potential to enhance creativity, productivity, and everyday problem-solving,” Sethi said.
Today, smartphone purchasing decisions are influenced by the presence of AI-powered features. “Traditionally, camera quality and storage topped the list of priorities. Today, AI capabilities rank among the top factors for buyers,” Sethi noted. According to him, this shift places higher demands on network responsiveness, especially for uplink traffic.
On the other hand, Jindal explained, “As applications like real-time 3D rendering or video upscaling become common, the demand for uplink capacity will surge. Emerging devices, such as Meta’s AI-powered Ray-Ban glasses, further underscore this need.”
Further, the ConsumerLab report suggests that adoption of generative AI apps is expected to soar in India, with 67 per cent of 5G smartphone users projected to use them weekly in the next five years. Similarly, reflecting on the rising demand for high-performance connectivity, one in six 5G users is willing to spend 20 per cent more on assured connectivity at event venues. Satisfaction with 5G-enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) and fixed wireless access (FWA) is also increasing, especially in Tier 3 cities. Additionally, a third of Indian smartphone users now prioritise AI-powered features over camera quality when choosing their next 5G device.
As a leader in 5G adoption and Gen AI usage, India’s unique position comes with both challenges and opportunities. “By 2030, India will hold over 20% of the global fixed wireless access (FWA) market, transforming connectivity for millions of households,” Jindal said.
With 5G moving on to the next phase, telecom operators need to adapt accordingly. Going forward, the focus is likely to be on creating personalised experiences, using advanced technologies like network slicing, and supporting newer use cases. Jindal and Sethi asserted the critical role of innovation in addressing these challenges. “From differentiated connectivity to AI-powered applications, the potential of 5G is immense,” Jindal concluded.
For India, which is already leading in adoption and innovation, the future of 5G looks exceptionally promising. “The demand is there, and consumers are willing to invest in better experiences,” Sethi summarised. “It’s now up to operators and developers to deliver.”
