Global 5G Connections Projected to Reach 9 Billion by 2030
The global telecommunications landscape is poised for a monumental shift as 5G connections are projected to reach 9 billion by 2030, according to a recent report by 5G Americas and Omdia.
This forecast marks a dramatic increase from the 2.6 billion connections recorded globally by the end of June 2025, reflecting a 37 percent year-on-year surge and underscoring 5G’s rapid ascent as the backbone of next-generation connectivity.
Meanwhile, Nigeria is carving its own path in this global trend, with its 5G subscriber base climbing to 5.7 million in August 2025, as revealed in the latest Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) industry report.
The global projection, which anticipates 5G accounting for 60 percent of all wireless connections by the end of the decade, is fueled by a 15 percent year-on-year rise in cellular data consumption, reaching 384 million terabytes in the second quarter of 2025.
North America leads the charge, boasting 339 million 5G connections and generating 43 million terabytes of traffic, with an average of 111 GB per user per month—nearly double the next highest region.
This momentum is driving innovations like the Internet of Things (IoT), with global IoT connections hitting 3.8 billion in Q2 and expected to reach 5 billion by 2030, supported by 5G’s role in smart factories, telemedicine, and autonomous logistics.
In Nigeria, the 5G growth to 5.7 million connections, up from 5.4 million in July, represents a modest but significant 0.1 percentage point increase to 3.3 percent of the country’s total 171.6 million telecom subscribers.
This rise aligns with a broader uptick in 4G adoption, which reached 51.2 percent (87.8 million connections), and a decline in legacy 2G (38.4 percent) and 3G (7.1 percent) networks, signaling a gradual technological transition.
The NCC data also highlights a broadband penetration increase to 48.8 percent in August from 48.0 percent, with 105.2 million broadband users, reflecting growing demand for high-speed services in a market of 217 million people.
While Nigeria’s 5G rollout lags behind North America’s near-universal coverage, where 88 percent of the population is already connected and 100 percent is expected by year-end—the country’s progress is notable for an emerging market.
Major operators like MTN and Airtel are driving urban deployments in cities like Lagos and Abuja, supported by regulatory incentives and spectrum auctions.
Local analysts project Nigeria could exceed 10 million 5G users by 2027, positioning it as a key player in Africa’s digital expansion. However, the persistence of 2G in rural areas underscores the challenge of bridging the urban-rural divide, where affordable devices and infrastructure remain critical.
Globally, industry leaders like Viet Nguyen of 5G Americas emphasize 5G’s role in setting the pace for adoption and data usage, particularly in advanced markets.
Kristin Paulin of Omdia notes that with penetration climbing and infrastructure expanding, 5G is entering a new phase as the foundation for IoT and digital transformation.
In Nigeria, this global trend is mirrored by early adopters leveraging 5G for business and consumer applications, though widespread benefits hinge on inclusive growth.
The NCC’s report suggests Nigeria’s telecom sector is on an upward trajectory, with total subscriptions rising from 169.3 million in July. As global 5G connections aim for 9 billion, Nigeria’s 5.7 million 5G users mark a starting point for a decade of potential, provided operators invest in rural coverage and affordable technology.
