The Growing Momentum of 5G Network Slicing and the Road to 6G

After years of anticipation, 5G network slicing is finally gaining substantial market traction. According to the latest Ericsson Mobility Report, 33 communications service providers (CSPs) are now offering variations of this groundbreaking technology. Network slicing, which is highly dependent on the implementation of 5G Standalone (SA) core networks, enables CSPs to deliver tailored connectivity solutions for both consumer and enterprise markets. Out of 118 network slicing use cases identified, 65 have transitioned beyond proof of concept and are now commercially available as standalone services or optional subscription packages. This marks a significant turning point as the global deployment of 5G SA networks accelerates, driving innovation across the telecommunications industry.

What is Driving the Growth of Network Slicing?

The rapid adoption of 5G SA core networks is a pivotal factor behind the expanding reach of network slicing. The report highlights that 5G subscriptions now account for one-third of all mobile subscriptions worldwide, reflecting the technology’s widespread adoption. More importantly, mobile network data traffic has seen an impressive 20% year-over-year growth between Q3 2024 and Q3 2025. With this growth, service providers are exploring new monetization opportunities, such as offering differentiated connectivity solutions tailored to specific industries and use cases. Enterprises, in particular, are tapping into the potential of 5G to modernize their IT infrastructure, improve operational efficiencies, and enable new business models. Service providers leveraging network slicing are uniquely positioned to cater to their demands, further solidifying 5G’s role as a transformative technology.

The Transition to 6G: What Lies Ahead?

While 5G continues to evolve, early steps toward 6G standardization are already underway. Organizations like 3GPP and ITU-R WP5D are leading the charge, with the first commercial 6G networks expected to launch in key markets such as the U.S., South Korea, Japan, China, and India by the early 2030s. However, the path to 6G is far from straightforward. Ericsson’s report predicts global 6G subscriptions may reach 180 million by 2031, but this projection may face delays as the IMT 2030 (6G) recommendation is not expected to finalize until the end of 2030. This suggests initial 6G deployments might occur closer to the latter part of 2031. Despite the lengthy timeline, the international community is already exploring new advancements that will define 6G, such as Artificial Intelligence-powered networks, ultra-low latency, and enhanced connectivity for emerging technologies like smart cities and autonomous systems.

Key Takeaways for the Telecom Industry

The growth of 5G network slicing and the progression toward 6G underline an exciting period of transformation in the telecommunications industry. As CSPs expand their 5G SA deployments, they are unlocking new ways to redefine connectivity, enhance customer experiences, and explore opportunities for value-added services. Looking ahead, the race to 6G will further drive innovation but will also require global collaboration to meet the technological and regulatory challenges on the horizon.

For businesses, governments, and telecom operators, the time is now to harness the potential of 5G while preparing for the next era of connectivity. By staying ahead of the curve, industry stakeholders can position themselves as leaders in the fast-evolving communications ecosystem.