5G Standalone 5G SA deployments have driven significant growth in 2025, with an increasing number of communications service providers CSPs offering differentiated connectivity models based on network slicing. Network slicing allows CSPs to allocate dedicated portions of the network to guarantee quality of service for specific customer use cases. These insights are part of the November 2025 Ericsson Mobility Report EMR, which provides in-depth analysis, reporting, and forecasting on global mobile networks.
More than 90 CSPs have now launched or soft-launched 5G SA networks, marking an increase of approximately 30 CSPs from the same period last year and 20 since the June 2025 EMR. Researchers identified 118 instances across 56 CSPs where network slicing is deployed to deliver differentiated connectivity services. Of these, 65 cases have moved beyond proof of concept into commercial services across 33 CSPs, either as subscription offerings or add-on packages for consumers and enterprise clients. Notably, 21 of these commercial offerings-almost one-third-were launched during 2025 alone.
Ericsson CTO Erik Ekudden highlighted that service providers globally are embracing 5G SA to offer value-based connectivity services rather than traditional data volume packages. He noted that many CSPs have transitioned from proof-of-concept to commercial deployment this year, a trend expected to continue. The November 2025 EMR extends its forecast through to 2031 and introduces projections for the first commercial 6G deployments. Early 6G launches are anticipated in front-runner markets including the U.S., Japan, South Korea, China, India, and select GCC countries, with Europe expected to follow about a year later. Global 6G subscriptions could reach 180 million by 2031, excluding early uptake of AI-enabled IoT devices.
