Operator confidence raises 5G connections forecast to 340 million in 2021

CCS Insight has suggested 5G connections will reach 340 million in 2021, before surpassing one billion in the first half of 2023.

The confidence in raising its forecasts come after more bullish behaviour from the operator segments in the industry, with more telcos declaring their 5G ambitions before expected. Telia in Finland was one which suggested it will hit the on-switch in 2019, while EE is another to confirm the 5G bonanza next year.

“The intentions of major US carriers to launch 5G in late 2018 have been clear for a while. But recently we’ve seen greater urgency to deploy networks from providers in Europe, the Middle East and China,” said Kester Mann of CCS Insight. “While Europe may still be around a year adrift of the leading markets in 5G, some regional operators are clearly determined to launch commercial services as soon as next year.”

Aside from EE and Telia, Telecom Italia, Swisscom and Telenor has also suggested they might reach the finish line sooner than expected. Finnish operator Elisa has even gone one step further by saying it has a 5G network now, though this seems questionable. Of course, the sluggish stereotype of European operators is there for a reason with the likes of Vodafone, Orange, Deutsche Telekom and Telefonica taking a much more cautious approach.

Of course, it is certainly encouraging to see progress in Europe, but let’s not forget the leaders are miles ahead. Many commentators have pointed to China as leading the 5G race, though with all the US telcos targeting the end of 2018, it puts the European progress into context. CCS expects China to overtake the US to become the biggest 5G market in 2020, with 40 million connections. By 2025, connections in China will surpass 1 billion, accounting for nearly four connections in every ten worldwide.

It’s nice to see there is some confidence in the European markets, but it still a notable distance behind the market leaders.