The fifth generation of mobile technology, commonly known as 5G, is changing how people, businesses and connected devices access and exchange data. Unlike earlier mobile generations, 5G is designed not only to provide faster smartphone connections but also to support large numbers of connected devices, low-latency applications and data-intensive services. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) describes 5G as a technology capable of connecting people, things, data, applications, transport systems and cities within networked environments.
One of the most visible changes brought by 5G is improved network performance. 5G standards are designed to support significantly higher data rates than previous generations, with the ITU identifying peak speeds of up to 20 Gbps under specified conditions. The technology also targets much lower latency, with theoretical figures reaching around one millisecond in certain scenarios.
For consumers, faster connectivity can support activities such as high-quality video streaming, cloud gaming, large file transfers and video calls. Lower latency is particularly important for applications where delays can affect performance, including industrial automation, connected vehicles and some remote services.
5G is also designed to handle much larger numbers of connected devices. This is important as smartphones are increasingly joined by smartwatches, sensors, cameras, vehicles, industrial equipment and other Internet of Things (IoT) devices.
The ITU identifies massive machine-to-machine communication as one of the areas supported by 5G. This can enable connected systems in smart homes, buildings, cities and industrial environments, where large numbers of devices need to exchange information over mobile networks.
5G is also expanding beyond mobile phones through fixed wireless access (FWA). This technology uses mobile networks to provide broadband connectivity to homes and businesses without relying on a traditional wired connection to every location.
According to Ericsson’s June 2026 Mobility Report, 71% of FWA service providers were offering their service over 5G. Ericsson also forecasts around 350 million FWA connections on mobile networks by 2031.
This makes 5G FWA particularly relevant in locations where deploying fiber or other wired infrastructure can be difficult or expensive.
5G is also being used to support enterprise applications. Its combination of higher capacity, lower latency and support for large numbers of devices can help industries deploy connected machinery, sensors and other systems.
Another development is 5G Standalone network slicing. This allows network resources to be configured for specific requirements, such as particular performance or quality-of-service needs. Ericsson reported in June 2026 that commercial 5G Standalone network-slicing offerings had increased to 84 globally.
5G adoption continues to expand worldwide. Ericsson reported that global 5G subscriptions reached 3.1 billion during the first quarter of 2026, after 162 million subscriptions were added during the quarter. Around 390 service providers had launched commercial 5G services, including more than 90 that had launched 5G Standalone networks.
Coverage is expanding as well. Ericsson estimates that global 5G population coverage reached 60% by the end of 2025, with approximately 400 million additional people gaining coverage during that year. However, coverage remains uneven between regions, with significant differences in deployment and mid-band availability.
5G therefore represents more than an upgrade in mobile download speeds. Its higher capacity, lower latency and ability to connect large numbers of devices are creating new possibilities for mobile communication, broadband access, industrial systems and connected technologies. As deployment continues, 5G is becoming an important part of the infrastructure supporting an increasingly connected digital world.
