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A new study commissioned by the technology company Ericsson in 15 national emerging markets in Asia, Africa, and Latin America finds that 5G connectivity offers potential economic, consumer, and environmental benefits in the countries.

According to the study carried out by the management firm Analysys Mason, all 15 countries could benefit from GDP growth between 0.3 and 0.46 percent through 2035 with regulatory and government support. The benefits also include an estimated three-to-seven-fold cost-to-benefit ratio.

Called the Future Value of Mobile in Emerging Markets, the report examines the impact of multiple 5G spectrum deployment options to facilitate enhanced mobile broadband and fixed wireless access (FWA) across consumer, industry, logistics, rural, and public services clusters, and spanning several business-case options, including verticals.  
 
Agriculture is a significant sector in all 15 countries - accounting for up to 10 percent of GDP in some markets. The report estimates that enhanced rural 5G coverage could deliver up to 1.8 percent uplift in long-term GDP from agriculture. 5G will also promote sustainable farming methods, increase efficiency, and reduce agricultural waste.

The report says adopting 5G can also help reduce emissions by supporting digital transformation in agriculture, freight and logistics, smart factories, and construction.