Ericsson, GSMA & Deloitte: The Story of 5G's Commercial Year

This year has been pivotal for the world's telecommunications technologies, with the commercial deployment of 5G systems spreading far and wide.

More and more, the world's largest telcos are building sophisticated network architectures whilst concentrating on revenue models that yield returns from significant capital outlays.

The implementation of 5G Standalone (SA) infrastructure and cloud-native frameworks sits at the heart of this transformation.

Transitioning away from 4G-reliant infrastructure allows telecommunications providers to introduce capabilities more rapidly, attain enhanced automation levels and provide scalable, robust services.

The segment for 5G mobile cores is forecast to expand by 15% throughout 2025, propelled by fresh SA deployments.

Andre Fuetsch of Crosspoint Capital Partners notes: "Maturing our 5G Standalone networks is enabling significant enterprise value across industries.

"Our nationwide deployment of 5G RedCap for IoT applications and priority network slicing for public safety transforms business connectivity."

How companies are monetising 5G

Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) represents the most direct route towards generating revenue from 5G.

Deloitte describes FWA as "the sole current path for 5G monetisation," with telecommunications providers utilising mid-band spectrum to offer competitive residential and commercial broadband. Worldwide FWA uptake is anticipated to increase 20% year-on-year throughout 2025.

In enterprise segments, network APIs and open gateways are creating fresh revenue opportunities.

The GSMA Open Gateway programme standardises APIs throughout telecommunications providers, enabling developers to incorporate functions like enhanced quality of service, location services or SIM-based verification.

With 73 operator groups, representing approximately 80% of worldwide connections, participating in the programme, telecommunications companies are converting APIs into a B2B expansion mechanism.

Kearney's 2025 5G Success Index describes it as the "Impact Era," where developing 5G infrastructure reaches its commercial capability through API-driven services.

Open RAN, which separates radio hardware and software, is progressing steadily.

Research published by EY in July 2024 showed that 58% of telco execs expect restricted deployment in wide-area networks by the conclusion of 2025, with ABI Research projecting broader uptake beyond 2027.

Currently, telecommunications providers emphasise established revenue channels, including FWA and APIs, whilst viewing Open RAN as a forward-looking, strategic endeavour.

The road to 6G

Whilst generating revenue from 5G, the sector is establishing the foundation for 6G. Throughout 2025, 3GPP standardisation activities are establishing service requirements for Release 20, with Release 21 representing the beginning of official 6G technical specifications coordinated with ITU's IMT-2030 framework.

Initial commercial 6G deployments are anticipated in the early 2030s.

6G will go beyond incremental improvement, integrating AI for autonomous networks, combining sensing and communication and offering seamless terrestrial, satellite and aerial connectivity.

Expected capabilities include data rates above one terabit per second and microsecond latency. Potential applications include real-time holographic meetings, city-scale digital twins, fully autonomous transport and immersive mixed-reality experiences.

In a LinkedIn post, Magnus Frodigh, Vice-President at Ericsson Research, said: “Through our collaborative 6G research, Ericsson is ensuring not only a connected, intelligent society but also one that is inclusive, connecting the unconnected and enabling digital opportunities globally.”

Telecommunications in 2025 are defined by the commercialisation of 5G and the preparation for 6G.

Operators are focusing on FWA and network APIs for immediate returns, planning Open RAN for the longer term and investing in 6G to shape the next decade of connectivity.