Ericsson Mobility Report Highlights Growth in Network Slicing and 6G

Network slicing, which requires a 5G Standalone (SA) core network, is gaining market traction, according to the latest Ericsson Mobility Report. Currently, 33 communications service providers offer various implementations of the technology. The report noted that of the 118 identified network slicing use cases, 65 have transitioned from proof of concept to commercial availability as subscription services or add-on packages for customers.

This growth is linked to the broader deployment of 5G SA core networks. Furthermore, 5G subscriptions now represent one-third of total mobile subscriptions, and mobile network data traffic increased by 20 percent from Q3 2024 to Q3 2025. As the technology matures, service providers are exploring new use cases and monetization opportunities, including differentiated connectivity services and enterprise IT enhancements.

The standardization process for the 6G Radio Access Network (RAN) is underway in the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) and ITU-R WP5D, with commercial launches anticipated in leading markets. However, no initiatives have been started for the 6G core network within 3GPP or ITU-T.

According to the report, the United States, Japan, South Korea, China, India, and some Gulf Cooperation Council countries are positioned as leaders in the 6G space. The global subscriptions for 6G are projected to reach 180 million by the end of 2031. Some experts express skepticism about this forecast, noting that key recommendations for IMT 2030 (6G) won't be finalized until late 2030.