CSPs turn to 5G-driven FWA for flexible subscriber offerings: Ericsson report

With 5G-enabled FWA, service providers can offer speed-tiered and entertainment-rich subscription packages similar to cable or fiber, enhancing user experience while significantly boosting monetization opportunities compared to earlier generations of fixed wireless access

Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) is gaining significant traction among communications service providers (CSPs) worldwide, particularly as 5G technology enables more dynamic and monetizable offerings. According to the June 2025 Ericsson Mobility Report, the ability to deliver speed-based tariff plans has emerged as a key factor driving FWA adoption.

Ericsson’s findings reveal that approximately 80% of CSPs globally now offer FWA services. However, the fastest-growing segment is among providers leveraging 5G capabilities to introduce tiered data speed plans, which offer consumers greater choice and flexibility.

With 5G-enabled FWA, service providers can deliver subscription packages that include various speed tiers and entertainment options—closely resembling traditional cable or fiber services. This evolution not only enhances the user experience but also significantly improves monetization potential for CSPs compared to earlier iterations of FWA.

The June 2025 Ericsson Mobility Report (EMR) shows that more than half (51 percent) of global CSPs with FWA offerings, now include speed-based options – up from 40 percent on the same period in June 2024 - driven by high adoption in North America, and growth in Europe and the Middle East.

FWA is projected to account for more than 35 percent of new fixed broadband connections, with an expected increase to 350 million by the end of 2030. 5G FWA plays a crucial role in expanding broadband access, especially in areas where traditional wired infrastructure may be less feasible.

On 5G subscriptions, the June 2025 Ericsson Mobility Report forecasts subscriptions to top 2.9 billion globally by the end of 2025 - about one third of all mobile subscriptions. The 5G subscription forecast for the end of 2030 remains at 6.3 billion.

Mobile network data traffic increased by 19 percent from the first quarter of 2024 to the corresponding period in 2025. Despite a declining growth rate, net added traffic will continue to increase year-on-year, with the June 2025 EMR forecasting that mobile data traffic will more than double through the forecast period through the end of 2030.

5G networks handled 35 percent of global mobile traffic by the end of 2024, with forecasters expecting the figure to top 80 percent by the end of 2030.

In Europe, 5G mid-band coverage topped 50 percent population coverage by the end of 2024. While the figure puts the region in line with the global average, it lags far behind frontrunner countries such as North America where 5G mid-band deployment has topped 90 percent population coverage, and India where 5G mid-band population coverage reached 95 percent by the end of 2024.

Through commentary, insights and customer/partner case stories, the June 2025 EMR highlights the ability of 5G Standalone (5G SA) and 5G Advanced to create monetization opportunities for CSPs globally based on value delivery rather than data volume.

The report highlights how CSPs are pursuing new commercial opportunities by offering differentiated connectivity services to consumers, enterprises and public authorities. Use cases include broadcast/video production, point of sale systems, events/arenas, gaming, fixed wireless access, virtual private networks, and enterprise productivity.

Erik Ekudden, Ericsson Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, says: “We are at an inflection point, where 5G and the ecosystem are set to unleash a wave of innovation. The recent advancements in 5G standalone (SA) networks, coupled with the progress in 5G-enabled devices, have led to an ecosystem poised to unlock transformative opportunities for connected creativity.”

He adds: “Service providers have recognized this potential of 5G and are beginning to monetize it through innovative service offerings that extend beyond merely selling data plans. To fully realize the potential of 5G, it is essential to continue deploying 5G SA and to further build out mid-band sites. 5G SA capabilities serve as a catalyst for driving new business growth opportunities.”