Global 5G mobile subscriptions surpassed the three billion mark during the first quarter of 2026, reaching a total of 3.1 billion, according to the June 2026 edition of the Ericsson Mobility Report. The report highlights that 162 million new 5G subscriptions were added in the quarter, driven by continued growth in North America and India. Ericsson forecasts this figure to more than double to 6.4 billion by the end of 2031, with 5G networks projected to handle 85 percent of all mobile data traffic, up from 48 percent at the end of 2025.

5G Standalone and Network Slicing Growth

The deployment of 5G Standalone (SA) networks and associated commercial services is accelerating. To date, 390 service providers have launched commercial 5G services, with more than 90 having launched 5G SA. Commercial differentiated connectivity service offerings based on 5G SA network slicing increased from 65 in the November 2025 report to 84 in the current edition. This growth indicates a shift from early adoption to mainstream commercialization, allowing providers to deliver guaranteed quality of service for specific use cases.

Fixed Wireless Access and Regional Adoption

Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) continues to be a key monetization strategy, with the share of FWA service providers offering the service over 5G reaching 71 percent, up from 57 percent in June 2025. New 5G FWA launches occurred in Algeria, Argentina, Bangladesh, Morocco, Taiwan, Türkiye and Vietnam. Adoption remains strongest in North America, the Nordics, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and parts of Asia. Western Europe, North America, North East Asia and the GCC countries are forecast to achieve 5G subscription adoption close to or above 90 percent by the end of 2031.

Uplink Traffic Surge

A significant shift in network traffic patterns is occurring, with uplink traffic growing faster than downlink for most service providers. Measurements from 55 service providers showed that 43 experienced higher uplink growth rates than downlink, while 17 saw uplink growth rates more than 1.5 times higher. Ericsson scenario modeling suggests that additional AI traffic could result in uplink traffic being three times higher or more in 2031 compared to 2025. Overall network data traffic grew 22 percent year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026.

Future Outlook and 6G

The report also outlines the industry's focus on 6G, with standardization discussions underway. Early expectations include full support for integrated sensing and communication (ISAC), seamless integration between terrestrial and satellite networks, and a strong focus on energy efficiency driven by AI-native 6G. The first implementable 6G specifications are expected to be finalized by the end of 2028 or early 2029, with the first commercial 6G services anticipated around 2030. Early adopters are expected to include the US, China, Japan, South Korea and the GCC countries.

Cushman & Wakefield has advised Ericsson on securing the site for a new 1 million-square-foot headquarters in Hagastaden, Stockholm. This transaction is the largest office lease in Sweden to date and one of the largest in Europe. Ericsson views the new campus as a catalyst for talent, innovation, and long-term growth.

The communications and network solutions provider will relocate its headquarters from the Kista district to Hagastaden, a major urban development area in the Swedish capital. Cushman & Wakefield advised Ericsson throughout the process, from identifying future-ready campus options to the signing of six leases with two separate landlords.

Strategic Relocation

By locating its future campus in Hagastaden, Ericsson positions itself near four universities, including the Karolinska Institutet. The site is also close to Karolinska University Hospital and SciLifeLab, a major molecular biology research center. The move is intended to complement and enhance the innovation ecosystem in the area.

Transaction Leadership

The advisory team at Cushman & Wakefield was led by Gustaf Benndorf and Tom Wadegård in Sweden. Karl Persson, Head of Sweden at Cushman & Wakefield, highlighted the significance of the deal, noting it is the largest office relocation in Europe in recent years and the most significant urban campus development in the Nordics ever.

Gustaf Benndorf described the outcome as incredible for Ericsson and its workforce following complex negotiations. Tom Wadegård added that the arrival of the tech occupier will transform the workplace and enhance the local innovation ecosystem. James Meikle noted that Ericsson has been a key client for over 20 years, providing deep insight into its strategic priorities.