The 5G revolution is set to reach a key milestone in 2022, according to a report released Thursday by analyst firm CCS Insight. The report predicts there will be over 1 billion 5G connections by the end of this year, nearly double compared to last year. The numbers are set to rise still further, as the 5G revolution movement gathers pace over the next few years.

By 2026, CCS Insight forecasts 4 billion 5G mobile broadband connections, representing 45% of the worldwide total. In 2026, 5G will be well on its way to becoming a mature technology in advanced markets such as North America and Western Europe. However, a delayed transition in places like India, the Middle East and Africa will remain evident. Despite some high-tech hubs and pockets of 5G connectivity, overall widespread coverage of these networks in the developing world has a long road ahead, according to CCS Insight.

CCS Insight also talks about Fixed Wireless Access (FWA), an associated area that provides a cellular-based alternative to fiber or copper line broadband. CCS Insight expects 5G fixed wireless connections will grow 160 percent in 2022 to 7 million worldwide.

“Despite 5G’s foundational years being clouded by the COVID-19 pandemic and the problems it created, the market is in a stronger position as we enter the second half of 2022. The world still faces a bleak macroeconomic and geopolitical outlook in 2022, coupled with supply chain difficulties. But the transition of mobile subscribers to 5G networks is set to make good progress, with 5G connections forecast to nearly double this year to 1.2 billion”, James Manning Smith, senior analyst at CCS Insight, said in a statement.