Five Billion


Photo © Jan Chipchase, Accra, 2007.

The number of mobile phone subscriptions worldwide has reached five billion this week according to a number of research firms. While this number might not be completely accurate, it does make a great headline and it underlines interesting trends:

  • China and India continue to add on average 12.5 million new mobile phone subscribers per month.
  • Africa remains the fastest growing mobile market with a year-on-year growth of over 22%.
  • 100% penetration is estimated to be reached before the end of 2014.

It’s important to note that this number does not reflect either the number of people owning a mobile phone and that the United Nations Millennium Declaration remains a crucial milestone to reach for the mobile industry. However it shows that homes, bridges, cars, laptops and netbooks, white goods, plants, spimes, and other objects have a mobile phone subscription and are likely to become the most important target segment for mobile operators around the world.


Photo © Raphael Grignani, San Francisco, 2009.

Filed Under: