Global Scans · Ericsson · Weekly Summary

• [New] 3GPP: is reportedly advancing a 6G standards timeline toward around 2030, while flagging unresolved questions about AI integration and cross-vendor interoperability - a framing that sits in tension with the 2029 target Ericsson and T-Mobile/Qualcomm both cited at MWC Barcelona in March. TeckNexus
• [New] 6G's timeline showed real inconsistency this month: 3GPP is reportedly targeting around 2030 - a shift from the 2029 framing Ericsson and others used at MWC Barcelona in March. TeckNexus
• Ericsson counts 22.3 billion total IoT connections worldwide in 2025 - including short-range devices - and forecasts 47.1 billion by 2031 (Ericsson, IoT Connections Outlook). Mango Thrive
• Fixed wireless access generated 28% of global mobile network data traffic at the end of 2025, and is projected to reach around 187 exabytes per month by 2031 (Ericsson Mobility Report). Mango Thrive
• 5G subscriptions passed 3.1 billion in Q1 2026 - adding 162 million in a single quarter - and are forecast to reach 6.4 billion by the end of 2031 (Ericsson Mobility Report). Mango Thrive
• The share of mobile data traffic carried over 5G jumped from 34% to 48% during 2025, and is projected to reach 85% by 2031 (Ericsson Mobility Report). Mango Thrive
• Ericsson forecasts total mobile network data traffic will grow by a factor of around 2.5 to reach 515 exabytes per month by 2031 (Ericsson Mobility Report). Mango Thrive
• Saudi Arabia's digital investment arm has been in talks around billion-dollar-scale telecom investment tied to Vision 2030, and Ericsson has extended its 6G research partnership with Saudi Arabia's KAUST university through 2026. 5G Training and 5G Certification
• USNS John Ericsson (T-AO 194) will be retired but retained as a logistics support asset as a parts source for remaining ships of its class. Seapower

Last updated: 06 September 2026