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Ericsson highlights economic benefits of 5G in emerging markets

A new Ericsson commissioned study has highlighted the potential economic, consumer and environmental benefits of 5G connectivity in 15 national emerging markets.

With regulatory and government support, all fifteen countries could benefit from GDP growth between 0.3 and 0.46 percent through 2035, with an estimated three-to-seven-fold cost-to-benefit ratio.

The “Future Value of Mobile in Emerging Markets” report, by management consulting firm Analysys Mason, examines the impact of multiple 5G spectrum deployment options to facilitate enhanced mobile broadband and fixed wireless access across consumer, industry, logistics, rural and public services clusters, and spanning several business case options, including verticals.   

The detailed methodology included using national government statistics and reports, Ericsson network insights and innovative mapping techniques - based on population density distribution and existing national infrastructure such as, road and rail networks, and agriculture - to create a cost-to-benefit model across the different deployment options.

Andrew Lloyd, head of government and policy advocacy, Ericsson, explained, ”This report provides a detailed breakdown, based on comprehensive research into realistic and achievable scenarios in each of the 15 countries, of the potential economic, social, environmental and national benefits of 5G in these markets.

“With the backing of governments, regulators and policy makers, each of these 15 countries, and their citizens, stand to benefit significantly from 5G connectivity. In addition to economic benefits, 5G can also reduce climate impact, increase social inclusion, wellbeing and tackle the digital divide in areas where fixed infrastructure availability is poor.”

Janette Stewart, partner, Analysys Mason, added, ”The study highlights the benefits from having the right spectrum available for 5G deployment, both for geographic coverage, for which the low-bands are very suitable, and in the 3.5GHz band where most of the high-capacity 5G deployments in other markets are already taking place.”

The countries addressed in the report research are Bangladesh, Brazil, Chile, Columbia, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, South Africa, Thailand and Turkey.