1 Billion 5G connections globally by 2022 — GSMA report at MWC

Launched at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, GSMA’s Mobile Economy Report 2022 forecasts 1 billion 5G connections worldwide this year, with 4G projected to decline in global share despite ongoing adoption in developing markets. At the moment, 5G has been live in 70 nations of the world, including the Philippines. By 2025, GSMA sees 5G connections double to 2 billion.

In regional terms, Developed Asia-Pacific (defined by GSMA as Australia, Japan, Singapore, and South Korea) led the world in 5G transition. Whereas the world average is 25 percent, the region reported 64 percent penetration. The rest of Asia-Pacific, which includes the Philippines, lags behind at 8 percent 5G penetration.

Meanwhile, it was stressed that mobile technologies and services contributed USD 4.5PHP 264INR 381EUR 4CNY 33 trillion, equivalent to around 5 percent of global gross domestic product (GDP). The report predicts that this contribution will grow to USD 5PHP 293INR 424EUR 5CNY 36 trillion in 2025. 5G expansion is expected to benefit economic recovery.

The GSMA report also emphasizes the vital role of mobile technology in accelerating progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) ahead of the United Nation’s deadline in 2030. These include increasing access to education, healthcare, and addressing prevailing issues such as poverty and inequality.

Read the report here.