Global 5G Adoption Skyrockets to 2.25 Billion, Four Times Faster Than 4G

The global wireless telecommunications industry achieved a milestone in 2024, reaching 2.25 billion 5G connections worldwide. This growth highlights the rapid adoption of 5G technology, which has expanded four times faster than 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) did in a similar timeframe. According to analysis from 5G Americas and Omdia, 5G outpaced LTE, which surpassed 500 million connections at the end of 2014. By the end of 2024, there will be 1.5 wireless connections for each person globally, up from one connection per person in 2014.

Forecasts anticipate that 5G connections will reach 8.3 billion by 2029, constituting 59% of all global wireless technologies. The expansion of Internet of Things (IoT) has also contributed significantly, with an additional 438 million connections in 2024, raising the global total to 3.6 billion.

“Reaching 2.25 billion 5G connections globally indicates rapid technology growth while underscoring North America's role in development,” said Viet Nguyen, President of 5G Americas. With 289 million 5G connections closing 2024, the region covers 77% of the population, marking a 67% increase from 196 million connections at the end of 2023. In comparison, 4G LTE only achieved 47% coverage by this point in 2014.

North America is also the first region to have equal numbers of commercial 5G and 4G LTE networks, demonstrating the maturity of its network deployment. The advancement is supported by considerable investment and innovation among industry leaders, along with a favorable regulatory environment that promotes applications in sectors like industrial automation and telehealth.

“North America's rapid 5G growth outpaces previous generations and sets a benchmark for global adoption,” stated Kristin Paulin, Principal Analyst at Omdia.

Latin America has also reported significant 5G adoption, doubling its connections to 76 million by year-end 2024 from 38.5 million in 2023. Despite this rapid growth, 4G LTE remains prevalent in the region, with 593 million users, or 74% of all wireless connections.

As of March 17, 2025, there are 354 commercial 5G networks globally, with North America leading with parity where the number of 5G and LTE networks is equal. Europe follows with 72% of LTE networks encompassing 5G deployments.

The totals for 5G and 4G LTE networks as of March 17, 2025, are detailed as follows:

5G:

• Global: 354
• North America: 18
• Latin America and Caribbean: 53

4G LTE:

• Global: 706
• North America: 18
• Latin America and Caribbean: 134