Mobile subscriptions in North East Asia to be 89% 5G by 2031

Corresponding figure in India, Nepal, Bhutan estimated at 79%.

At the end of 2031, 5G subscriptions are estimated to account for two-thirds of all mobile subscriptions globally. In North East Asia, 5G is set to represent 89% of all mobile subscriptions by then.

"Global 5G subscriptions are forecast to reach 6.4 billion in 2031 and will make up two-thirds of all mobile subscriptions," reads part of the November 2025 Ericsson Mobility Report.

"In 2031, it is projected that Western Europe, North America, and the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries will have 5G subscription penetration of above 90%."

In India, Nepal, and Bhutan, 4G is currently the dominant subscription type, with 49% making up this year's total. This technology will be surpassed by 5G in terms of adoption, as subscribers continue to make the switch.

By the end of 2031, 5G subscriptions in this Asian region will be equivalent to 79% of the tech pie, slices of which include LTE (Long-Term Evolution) and GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications).

In North East Asia, where the second-highest 5G subscription penetration is recorded, the forecast is 89% 5G out of the region's 2031 total. Ericsson cited the adoption of differentiated connectivity in this part of Asia.

The company went on to highlight: "Globally, 5G is anticipated to overtake 4G as the dominant mobile access technology by subscription by the end of 2027, nine years after launch."