Ericsson, a company of enormous relevance in the telecommunications sector, provided important information in its latest mobility report that, by the end of 2022, there will be a billion people who pay for wireless internet services connected by 5G.
Although it is still a long way from the values achieved by 4G, the company predicts that this standard is about to reach its peak of users. It should be noted that 4G gained around 2022 billion new subscribers in 5. After reaching the maximum number of users, the door will be open for 5G to conquer the market.
Despite this forecast of an increase in users accessing a faster mobile network, the truth is that forecasts point to an increase in the prices of associated subscriptions.
For example, in North America, where operators have declared 5G supremacy over the last three years, around 35% of mobile subscribers will have access to this mobile network by the end of 2022. Furthermore, mid-band 5G is now on the rise. reach 80% of the US population.
BUT: 5G will reach 1,2 billion devices by the end of 2022
Ericsson's report, the highest prices for 5G are essentially charged in Western Europe, where it's common to see wireless plans split into different speed tiers. In addition, of the operators offering 5G globally, “there are 25% that charge an extra amount for 5G, in relation to the 4G service, with an average price premium of around 40%”.
Many governments across Africa have been incredibly optimistic that technological advances are the key to pulling Africans out of the developing and into the developed space. One of these emerging technologies with a lot of weight and emphasis is 5G technology. Some analysts predict that the 5G can add USD 2,2 trillion to Africa's economy by 2034.
However, countries across the continent are struggling to roll out the new technology due to infrastructure challenges, adoption issues, the expensive nature of the technology and the devices needed to use it, and even security concerns surrounding 5G.
Many African countries are currently testing 5G, as is the case in Angola, via the operator Unitel, and some have successfully launched the technology on a commercial basis.
