Ericsson: 850 MHz Auction Absence Likely Due to Cost-Effectiveness, Global 5G Subscription to Hit 6.3 Billion by 2030

Brickinfo News Agency – Ericsson Thailand released its June 2025 Ericsson Mobility Report, indicating that 5G technology has become integrated into daily life in Thailand. Despite network coverage reaching 95% of the population, the adoption of 5G packages remains at 25%. However, Thailand is still considered a regional leader compared to countries with delayed frequency auctions. The report highlights that the increasing content consumption among Thais presents a challenge for service providers to adapt and monetize new applications.

The Ericsson report states that global 5G subscriptions reached 2.4 billion in the first quarter of 2025 and are projected to surpass 4G subscriptions by 2027, with 6G usage expected to increase by 2030. Furthermore, global mobile data traffic continues to rise, increasing by 19% from the first quarter of 2024. While the growth rate has slowed, mobile data usage is predicted to more than double by 2030.

Ericsson: 850 MHz Auction Absence Likely Due to Cost-Effectiveness

Anders Rian, Head of Ericsson Thailand, commented on the absence of bidders for the 850 MHz spectrum auction, suggesting it was likely due to business viability. He noted that service providers already possess 700 MHz and 900 MHz frequencies, and with the eventual phasing out of 3G, the 850 MHz band may not be cost-effective for Thailand, unlike countries such as Australia, where it still sees some use.

Moreover, the increasing development of 5G Standalone (SA) is expected to form a crucial foundation for new applications across both business and consumer sectors. As Generative AI (GenAI) devices and AI applications become more sophisticated, application providers and communication service providers must prioritize uplink capabilities and latency. The Ericsson Mobility Report also mentions other 5G innovations beyond GenAI, such as AI-powered smart glasses and the adoption of Differentiated Connectivity in new applications, which will be key to delivering high-quality user experiences.

By the end of 2024, 5G networks supported 35% of global mobile data traffic, a figure projected to exceed 80% by the end of 2030. In Thailand, 5G networks are a significant factor driving data consumption and increasing Average Revenue Per User (ARPU). Rian stated, “We are at a pivotal moment where 5G networks and the ecosystem are ready to unleash a wave of innovation. With advancements in 5G Standalone (SA) networks coupled with developments in 5G-enabled devices, an ecosystem is now prepared to unlock opportunities for transformative new connections for creative ideas. For 5G to perform at its full potential, it is essential to continuously increase 5G SA adoption and build a stronger Mid-Band spectrum foundation.”

Ericsson Thailand is committed to driving Thailand’s digital transformation, leveraging its global leadership in 5G technology, having deployed 187 5G networks worldwide. Rian concluded, “Our core vision is to build high-performance, reliable, and sustainable connectivity networks to accelerate Thailand’s journey into the digital economy…We believe that strong collaboration within the ecosystem is crucial to fully unlock the potential of the digital economy and society. By working closely with government agencies, industry partners, and various communities, we aim to foster innovation, promote equality, and achieve long-term growth for Thailand.”