Mobile data traffic will explode between now and 2030, according to a report from ABI Research.

The firm projects mobile data traffic will grow by 23% annually between now and the end of the decade. This is a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 23%. The traffic will reach 5,241 exabytes (EBs) by the end of 2030.

The report, which is a product of the firm’s Network Technology Market Tracker, says that the mobile data growth will be driven by applications such as high-definition video streaming, immersive gaming, and always-on mobile apps.

The increase is largely driven by the proliferation of 5G networks. These networks, which are being called upon to support demanding applications such as augmented reality and the Internet of Things (IoT), will account for a 2,200 EB rise in traffic during the term of the research. This will require operators to expand their infrastructures and enhance their capabilities in other ways.

The demand on 4G networks will grow as well, despite a drop to approximately 1.4 billion subscribers by 2030. Consumption will grow 16% annually despite the smaller base. The increase will be driven by mobile data usage in India, according to the report. It will reach about 1,275 EBs by the end of the decade.

Another subtext of the landscape moving forward is that older technologies such as 2G and 3G will fade quickly. Israel and Sweden, for instance, plan to shut down legacy networks next year. Users of these networks will have to migrate to other technologies if they are to remain connected.

“Success in the mobile market will increasingly depend on network performance and user experience rather than simply the number of subscribers,” ABI Research Analyst Samuel Bowling said in a press release about the mobile data report.

“As data traffic grows faster than subscriptions, operators must focus on optimizing network efficiency, implementing effective data monetization strategies, and meeting the demands of next-generation digital services. Those who can adapt to this shift in priorities will be best positioned to lead in the coming decade.”