Ericsson UK warns 5G may face monetization challenges

Katherine Ainley, the CEO of Ericsson UK and Ireland, warned that there is a risk 5G could be monetized like 3G and 4G. This concern came during an interview at Mobile World Congress 2025 in Barcelona. She emphasized that while 5G rollout is progressing, particularly in urban areas, users in rural areas are not experiencing the same benefits. Ainley identified challenges including the need for better mid-band spectrum use and more standalone 5G devices. She mentioned that there is a risk of repeating past mistakes in how network services are charged, despite some advancements in technology. There is hope for a future where users might pay more for improved services in specific situations, like attending events or participating in video calls. In the enterprise sector, Ainley noted growth in private networks, especially in ports and manufacturing. She stressed the importance of focusing on practical applications rather than just the technology itself. For example, discussing private networks can be confusing, but explaining how it can make factories more efficient is clearer. Target sectors for private 5G in the UK include logistics, travel, and eventually public services like healthcare and defense. Ainley sees significant potential for efficiency improvements in these areas.