When 5G wireless first dropped there was a lot of hubbub and conjecture about how it would change the industry and revolutionize mobile experiences. But for most of us, it just seems to be more of the same. Now, don’t get me wrong, it is a powerful, more reliable form of wireless connectivity that shows significant improvement over 4G and 4G LTE. As for that revolution, well, maybe not.

That doesn’t really matter, though, because 5G adoption has truly taken off. Global 5G connections have surpassed 2 billion as of 2024, which is a nearly 50% surge year-over-year. Future projections point to that number growing even more — to 8 billion connections by 2029. Regardless of how we all feel about a revolution, change, or industry impact, it’s clear that 5G is no longer a “future” technology. It’s here, now, and making a difference.

Of course, that begs the question: What’s next? Where does the telecom industry go from here?

Where are 5G connections making the biggest impact?

Source: Niek Doup / Unsplash

Before we look ahead, let’s look closer at the present. More specifically, let’s consider where 5G is making the biggest wireless waves. It should come as no surprise that the United States and North America have set the standard in 5G adoption. With over 264 million connections by the end of Quarter 3 2024, 5G now accounts for 37% of all wireless connections on the continent. That’s more than double the global average of 17% active connections.

Latin America is also seeing a surge. With 5G connections jumping to 67 million in Quarter 3 2024, that’s 11 million new connections added and a relatively strong 19% growth rate. 5G adoption is accelerating everywhere, and for good reasons. It’s a significant improvement over the previous generations, with a lot more use cases.

The number of commercial 5G networks has also risen globally. There are now 341 networks total, surpassing the pace of 4G LTE deployments at the equivalent stage of development. In other words, 5G is growing and developing much faster than 4G ever did.

So, while the rest of us might not feel much of a difference beyond the general connectivity experience, the data shows that the industry is experiencing marked improvements in adoption and growth.

Okay, cool, so what’s next?

The data is in front of us, but it’s still difficult to quantify as a consumer, and somewhat difficult to care about. After all, what do we care about wireless network growth beyond how well the system works for us? These are commercial properties and wireless providers benefitting. Why does the average Joe care?

Because it gives us an idea of what’s coming next. Or rather, what the next evolution in the chain is for wireless connectivity.

Simon Tian, the CEO of Fonus, believes the next frontier is “convergence” for the tech. Fonus, if you’re not familiar, is the world’s first unlimited wireless carrier without borders.

“5G is a major step forward. It’s much faster than 4G/LTE, with near-zero latency and the ability to handle way more devices at once.“

That, of course, affects most of us through reliability and experience. Our network connections, and by proxy, our communications, are a lot less likely to fail when we need it most. But Tian believes the technology will fill in “coverage gaps” in remote areas.

“We’re moving toward a world where you’re always connected, no matter where you are. 5G will work hand-in-hand with technologies like next-gen Wi-Fi and satellite internet, which will fill coverage gaps in rural and remote areas. And in the future, even faster and smarter networks are coming.“

More reliability is always good, especially in areas that struggle currently.

“It’s about making connectivity simpler, more powerful, and available everywhere.”

The “convergence” he’s talking about is the union and uniformity that more widespread adoption will achieve. Imagine seamless connectivity no matter where you are, what you’re doing or what devices you’re using. We’re talking far beyond mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. It includes commercially viable and life-changing technologies, as well. Emergency systems, location tracking and communication tools, even gaming and entertainment tech, everything that benefits from an active wireless connection.

The world will be more in sync than ever, at least when it comes to accessing the internet anywhere.

As for Fonus, Tian says they’ll continue pushing the envelope.

“Fonus isn’t just keeping pace with the 5G revolution — we’re simplifying access to it globally. Our mission is to make wireless connectivity as seamless and accessible as possible, no matter where you are in the world.”

This story and the related data were originally shared by Fonus.