Global 5G Subscriptions Close to 1.3 Billion in 2Q23

India continues to lead the world in 5G subscription growth rate with more than seven million of the 175 million global subscriptions added during the second quarter of 2023 accounted for in the country, according to Ericsson Mobility Report. The Q2 additions bring the global number of 5G subscriptions close to 1.3 billion.

About 260 communications service providers (CSPs) have launched commercial 5G services, and about 35 CSPs have launched 5G standalone (SA) networks. China had the second highest country growth rate with more than five million 5G additions during Q2, followed by the United States of America with more than three million 5G subscription additions.

In 2Q23, the number of mobile subscriptions totaled 8.3 billion, with a net addition of 40 million subscriptions during the quarter. The number of unique mobile subscribers is 6.1 billion. Global mobile subscription penetration was 105%. The number of mobile broadband subscriptions grew by about 100 million in the quarter, totaling 7.4 billion, a year-on-year increase of five percent. Mobile broadband now accounts for 88% of all mobile subscriptions.

Mobile data traffic grew by 33% between 2Q22 and 2Q23. 4G subscriptions increased by 11 million, totaling about 5.2 billion and representing 62% of all mobile subscriptions. WCDMA/HSPA subscriptions declined by 85 million and GSM/EDGE-only subscriptions dropped by 59 million during the quarter. Other technologies fell by about two million.