Rapid Expansion of 5G Networks: Worldwide 5G Users Reach 2.25 Billion, Outpacing 4G Adoption by a Factor of Four
2024: A Pivotal Year for 5G dominance
In a groundbreaking leap, the worldwide wireless telecommunications sector hit a historic milestone in 2024, as 5G connections soared to an astounding 2.25 billion. This rapid growth underscores the lightning-fast adoption of 5G, far outpacing earlier wireless generations. According to 5G Americas and Omdia, 5G expanded four times faster than 4G LTE did at a comparable period, when LTE had barely surpassed 500 million connections at the end of 2014.
Over the next five years, the world's mobile ecosystem kept expanding, reaching an impressive 1.5 wireless connections per person worldwide by the end of 2024. Compared to one connection per person in 2014, this impressive growth is indicative of the burgeoning demand for swift, reliable connectivity.
Looking Ahead: The Future of 5G
Forecasts suggest that 5G connections will continue to proliferate, with an estimated 8.3 billion connections by 2029, accounting for a whopping 59% of all global wireless technologies. Meanwhile, the Internet of Things (IoT) also experienced a meteoric rise, adding a staggering 438 million new connections in 2024, bringing the global total to a mind-boggling 3.6 billion.
"The fact that we've reached 2.25 billion 5G connections globally is evidence of just how quickly this technology is reshaping the world," said Viet Nguyen, president of 5G Americas. "However, it's crucial not to overlook North America's role as a vanguard, leading the charge in this new era." With 5G now touching 77% of the North American population, the region retains its position as a global trailblazer, pushing the boundaries of innovation, network deployment, and cutting-edge applications.
North America's Unwavering Dominance
By the end of 2024, North America boasted an impressive 289 million 5G connections, marking a staggering 67% year-over-year increase from 196 million connections at the end of 2023. Moreover, North America has a 77% regional coverage of 5G networks, demonstrating the region's unyielding commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements. Interestingly enough, 4G LTE adoption in North America had only reached 47% regional coverage by the same point in 2014.
Beyond mere adoption rates, North America is at the forefront in commercial 5G and 4G LTE network parity. This achievement speaks volumes about the maturity and speed of next-generation network deployment in the region, fueled by robust industry investment, collaborative innovation, and a regulatory environment that encourages the development of transformative applications.
A Global Shift: 5G Powers Ahead
Latin America also witnessed an explosion of 5G adoption, more than doubling its 5G connections in a single year to a staggering 76 million by the end of 2024, up from 38.5 million in 2023. Although 4G LTE remains the dominant technology in the region, accounting for 74% of all wireless connections, the pace of 5G network deployments continues to surpass that of 4G LTE at a similar stage of its rollout.
As of March 17, 2025, there were 354 commercial 5G networks globally, with North America leading the charge, being the only region where the number of 5G and LTE networks are in delicate equilibrium. Europe follows closely, with 5G deployments reaching 72% of LTE networks.
Within the quickly evolving world of wireless communications, 5G remains the breakneck pace-setter, poised to redefine the landscape of the global wireless technology market share by 2029. While specific percentages for 5G versus other technologies (such as 4G, LTE, and 3G) are not explicitly provided, the growth is driven by the increasing adoption of 5G for consumer and IoT applications, as well as its technological advantages over previous generations. Rapid adoption rates, IoT integration, and 5G's superior speed and reliability compared to past technologies have all contributed to its market dominance.
The rapid growth of 5G Connections in 2024, reaching 2.25 billion, signifies the increased integration of data-and-cloud-computing technologies, powered by the advancements in technology. Forecasts predict that by 2029, 5G connections will account for a majority of global wireless technologies, indicating the crucial role technology plays in the progression of 5G and the wireless technology market.
