5G vs 4G, How Much Faster Is 5G Really in 2025?

 

In the first five years since the launch of 5G networks, several surveys have pointed out that the commercial growth of 5G has not progressed as quickly as anticipated. Many experts had expected a faster uptake, given the potential for transforming industries and everyday life with higher speeds and greater connectivity. However, a study by 5G Americas, using data from Omdia, has revealed that despite these challenges, 5G connections reached a historic milestone by the end of 2024, with 2.25 billion 5G connections worldwide. This achievement illustrates the significant growth and adoption of 5G, far surpassing the pace at which earlier wireless generations, like 4G LTE, expanded.

The data highlights that 5G adoption has been faster than any previous generation of wireless technology, with the industry expanding four times quicker than 4G LTE did during its comparable early years. This increase in 5G connectivity shows that, despite earlier challenges, the momentum is now strong and accelerating. With more consumers, businesses, and countries adopting 5G networks, the technology is becoming central to modern communications.

Rapid Growth and Future Projections for 5G

The future of 5G is projected to continue on a rapid growth trajectory, according to the study. By 2029, it is expected that 5G connections will reach 8.3 billion, accounting for nearly 59% of all wireless technologies in use worldwide. The rise of 5G is not just about faster internet speeds but also about enabling a new wave of technological advancements. The integration of 5G with the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and smart infrastructure will allow industries to innovate in ways that were previously not possible.

As part of this transformation, the IoT sector has experienced a significant expansion. In 2024 alone, IoT connections grew by 438 million, bringing the total number of IoT connections worldwide to 3.6 billion. This increase demonstrates how 5G is enabling new devices and applications to be connected in real-time, changing how businesses and consumers interact with technology. The combination of 5G and IoT is set to drive innovation across various industries, from healthcare and transportation to manufacturing and urban development.

Regional Insights on 5G Adoption

North America: North America is at the forefront of 5G adoption, being the first region globally to achieve parity between the number of commercial 5G and 4G LTE networks. This milestone reflects the maturity of 5G network deployment in the region. A key factor driving this growth is the combination of strong industry investment, regulatory support, and collaborative innovation between technology providers, network operators, and governments. By March 2025, there will be a total of 354 commercial 5G networks globally, with 18 of those based in North America.

Europe: Europe has also made significant strides in 5G deployment, with 72% of LTE networks now integrated with 5G. However, the region has been more cautious in its approach to 5G, with regulatory and infrastructure challenges slowing the overall rollout. Despite these hurdles, European countries like the UK, Germany, and Sweden have made notable progress in deploying 5G networks.

Latin America: Latin America has seen impressive growth in its 5G adoption, with the number of 5G networks in the region rising significantly. By the end of 2024, there were 53 5G networks across the Latin American and Caribbean regions. While still behind North America and Europe in total adoption, the region’s rapid expansion in recent years is indicative of its growing importance as a market for mobile network providers.

North America’s Leadership in 5G Adoption

North America has emerged as a leader in the global 5G landscape, demonstrating exceptional growth and adoption rates. By the end of 2024, the region had 289 million 5G connections, a remarkable 67% increase from the previous year. This rapid growth is attributed to a combination of factors, including heavy investments in network infrastructure, regulatory policies that encourage innovation, and consumer demand for faster and more reliable mobile networks. By comparison, 4G LTE adoption in North America reached just 47% regional coverage by 2014, highlighting the dramatic pace at which 5G has been deployed.

The robust network coverage in North America also reflects the region's commitment to making 5G accessible to a larger population. With 77% of the region covered by 5G by the end of 2024, North America has positioned itself as a leader in 5G adoption, setting the standard for other regions to follow.

Latin America’s 5G Surge and 4G LTE Dominance

While North America has made significant strides in 5G, Latin America has experienced a notable surge in adoption. The region's 5G connections doubled to 76 million by the end of 2024, compared to 38.5 million in 2023. This rapid growth indicates the increasing demand for next-generation networks in Latin American countries. However, despite the growth in 5G, 4G LTE remains the dominant technology in the region. With 593 million users of 4G LTE, nearly three-quarters of all wireless connections in Latin America still rely on this older technology.

The ongoing dominance of 4G LTE in Latin America underscores the challenges that many countries in the region face in transitioning to next-generation networks. These challenges include economic factors, regulatory barriers, and infrastructure gaps that make it difficult for some countries to fully embrace 5G. Nevertheless, the rapid growth in 5G adoption in Latin America shows that the region is making strides towards becoming a more connected and technologically advanced part of the world.

Industry Leaders Reflect on 5G Progress

Industry leaders have expressed their excitement about the rapid pace of 5G adoption and its transformative potential. Viet Nguyen, the President of 5G Americas, commented that the achievement of 2.25 billion 5G connections globally is a clear indication of the technology’s rapid development. He highlighted North America’s leadership role in 5G adoption, pointing to the region's successful blend of innovation, investment, and regulatory policies.

Kristin Paulin, Principal Analyst at Omdia, also shared her insights, noting that North America’s growth in 5G adoption is setting the global standard. She emphasized how the region is outpacing previous wireless generations, positioning itself as a benchmark for the rest of the world.

These comments reflect the general consensus among experts that 5G is set to revolutionize industries across the globe. As adoption continues to grow, the technology promises to unlock new opportunities in areas such as IoT, smart cities, telemedicine, and industrial automation. With ongoing investment, collaboration, and forward-thinking policies, 5G is poised to play a central role in the future of global connectivity.

Writer: Chrycentia Henryana