Nokia MEA Mobile Broadband Index 2025: Accelerating 5G investments in MEA fuels data demand and digital revolution

Core Insights - The Nokia Mobile Broadband Index Report 2025 highlights the rapid shift towards 5G connectivity in the Middle East and Africa (MEA), projecting that by 2030, 5G will significantly influence mobile subscriptions and data traffic [1][2] - The report indicates that 82% of connections in MEA will be on 4G/5G networks by 2030, with 5G subscriptions expected to reach 605 million, accounting for 25% of total mobile connections and 53% of total mobile data traffic [2][8] - The growth of 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) is notable, with market share projected to increase from 15% in 2023 to 35% by 2030, driven by the maturity of 5G networks [3][8] Investment and Economic Impact - Significant investments in 5G technology by operators in the MEA region are anticipated to enable IoT, smart cities, and enterprise solutions, fostering economic growth and digital innovation [4] - The integration of 5G with edge computing and AI is expected to create new opportunities for industries, enhancing productivity and customer experiences [4] Market Trends - The adoption of 5G FWA is gaining momentum due to its advantages over traditional wired connections, such as faster deployment and lower infrastructure costs, making it a viable option for expanding internet access [3][8] - In the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), 91% of subscriptions are projected to be on 5G, indicating the region's leadership in 5G adoption within MEA [2]