New iGR Study Presents a Model for Global 5G Connections and Bandwidth, Which Estimates 1.3 Billion 5G Mobile Connections by 2026

5G Connections and Bandwidth Are Major Topics of Discussion at 5G World in London


AUSTIN, TX--(Marketwired - June 30, 2016) - As the use of smartphones and tablets on 4G LTE networks has grown dramatically, the demand for mobile data services has also increased. 5G is the wireless and mobile industry's solution that will provide high quality mobile data services to satisfy mobile consumers' demands, as well as the need for widespread IoT (Internet of Things) connectivity.

5G is an ecosystem, defined by ITU-R's IMT-2020 5G standard, that has the goal of improving the connectivity experience of the mobile consumer and enterprise. The first 5G networks are not expected to be deployed before 2020, with the first commercial services launched in 2021. However, the current LTE and LTE-Advanced network, including all improvements made to them between now and 2020, will lay the foundation for the 5G network. Unless the ground work is completed with LTE in the next few years, 5G IMT-2020 will not be launched commercially by 2021.

How is the 5G market expected to develop globally? And how much bandwidth will IMT-2020 networks likely have to deliver? iGR, a market research consultancy focused on the wireless and mobile industry, has recently published a market study that answers these questions. The study presents a model for the global development of 5G markets from 2021 to 2026, including the number of 5G connections and the amount of data used on the 5G networks in each region of the world. This model estimates that 5G connections based on the IMT-2020 standard will start slowly in 2021 and grow to 1.3 billion in 2026.

"Although much of the discussion surrounding 5G has involved the Internet of Things, 5G is expected to be used for many other use case scenarios, as well," said Iain Gillott, president and founder of iGR who is chairing the second day of 5G World in London this week. "By looking at the many potential uses, services, and applications, iGR has built a model of how the 5G networks and markets could develop -- both in the number of connections and in the amount of bandwidth used."

iGR's new market study, Global 5G: Connections and Bandwidth Model 2021 - 2026, provides a model of the anticipated number of 5G mobile connections and the amount of mobile data bandwidth used by those 5G connections between the years 2021 and 2026. A worldwide model is given, as well as a model for each of the six regions of the world: North America, Latin America, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Asia Pacific and Japan. In addition, the market study defines 5G and the characteristics of core 5G services, and also discusses the expected timing of 5G deployments.

The following key questions are addressed in the new research study:

  • What is 5G? How is it defined and/or viewed right now?
  • What is in 5G? When will 5G happen?
  • What is the anticipated timing of 5G services based on the IMT-2020 standard?
  • What are the characteristics of the core 5G services?
  • How many total mobile connections can be expected in each region of the world from 2021 to 2026?
  • How many of these mobile connections does the model expect to be using 5G (IMT-2020) from 2021 to 2026 in each region of the world?
  • What are the main assumptions for the 5G model in each region of the world?
  • What is the expected demand for bandwidth from each 5G connection in each region of the world?
  • What is the total expected demand for 5G bandwidth in each region of the world?
  • How are the number of 5G connections and demand for 5G bandwidth expected to increase in each region from 2021 to 2026?

The information in this market study will be valuable for:

  • Mobile operators
  • Mobile device OEMs
  • Mobile service and application developers
  • IoT vendors and solutions providers
  • Infrastructure OEMs
  • Small cell product and solution vendors
  • Backhaul service providers and equipment OEMs
  • Financial analysts and investors.

The new report can be purchased and downloaded directly from iGR's website at www.iGR-inc.com.

About iGR

iGR is a market strategy consultancy focused on the wireless and mobile communications industry. Founded by Iain Gillott, one of the wireless industry's leading analysts, in late 2000 as iGillottResearch, iGR is now in its sixteenth year of operation. iGR continuously researches emerging and existent technologies, technology industries, and consumer markets. We use our detailed research to offer a range of services to help companies improve their position in the marketplace, clearly define their future direction, and ultimately improve their bottom line.

iGR researches a range of wireless and mobile products and technologies, including: smartphones; tablets; mobile wearable devices; connected cars; mobile applications; bandwidth demand and use; small cell and het-net architectures; mobile EPC and RAN virtualization; DAS; LTE; VoLTE; IMS; NFC; GSM/GPRS/UMTS/HSPA; CDMA 1x/EV-DO; iDEN; SIP; macro-, pico- and femtocells; mobile backhaul; WiFi and WiFi offload; and SIM and UICC.

A more complete profile of the company can be found at www.igr-inc.com.

Contact Information:

Contact iGR
Iain Gillott