Number of mobile subscriptions worldwide 2005-2023, by region

The number of mobile subscriptions across the globe continued to grow in 2023, having risen more than three percent to surpass 8.85 billion. This number exceeded the global population, with many users maintaining multiple subscriptions for various purposes. 

Explosion in mobile data use

The continued growth in mobile subscriptions has accompanied surging mobile data use worldwide. Forecasts indicate that mobile data traffic is expected to triple between 2023 and 2029, fueled by evolving consumption habits such as the rise of high-resolution video streaming, the adoption of IoT and AI powered devices, and the deployment of high-speed 5G mobile networks. This trend underscores a growing reliance on mobile connectivity and its impact on global data consumption patterns.

Rural Mobile Network Coverage Disparity

While many users embrace the mobile revolution, some risk being left behind by a lack of network coverage in remote areas. As of 2023, 99.2 percent of the European population in rural areas were covered by a mobile network, the highest share globally. In contrast, rural coverage in both the Americas and Africa remained below 90 percent, highlighting the presence of a digital divide and underlining the need for continued investment in mobile infrastructure.