Ericsson: 5G Subscriptions Could Reach 150 Million by 2021

Expect fifth-generation (5G) wireless system subscriptions to reach 150 million by 2021, according to Ericsson (ERIC).

In its Nov. 2015 Mobility Report, Ericsson predicted 5G will become a popular choice for consumers over the next few years, particularly as the demand for Internet of Things (IoT) devices increases.

“5G is about more than faster mobile services — it will enable new use cases related to the Internet of Things information and communications technology transformation will become even more common across industries as 5G moves from vision to reality in the coming years,” Ericsson Chief Strategy Officer Rima Qureshi said in a prepared statement. “ICT transformation will become even more common across industries as 5G moves from vision to reality in the coming years.”

Ericsson noted that South Korea, Japan, China and the United States could lead with “the first, and fastest, 5G subscription uptake.”

In addition, Ericsson pointed out that 5G will connect new types of devices, thus enabling new use cases relative to the IoT and empowering new industries and verticals to leverage 5G. 

Many telecommunications companies are investing in 5G technology development as well.

For example, Verizon (VZ) has committed to beginning 5G technology field trials in the United States next year. 

Verizon also is developing 5G network environments, or “sandboxes,” in its Waltham, Massachusetts, and San Francisco Innovation Centers.

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