[Geneva], By end 2013 Mobile-Cellular Subscriptions Will Be almost as many as there are people on the planet but even then 1.1 billion households – or 4.4 billion people may remain unconnected.
Mobile broadband over smartphones and tablets has become the fastest growing segment of the global ICT market, according to ITU’s flagship annual report Measuring the Information Society 2013.
[a]By end 2013 there will be 6.8 billion total mobile-cellular subscriptions – almost as many as there are people on the planet.
[b]An estimated 2.7 billion people will also be connected to the Internet – though speeds and prices vary widely, both across and within regions.
[c]Mobile broadband connections over 3G and 3G+ networks are growing at an average annual rate of 40% equating to 2.1 billion mobile-broadband subscriptions and a global penetration rate of almost 30 %. Almost 50 %of all people worldwide are now covered by a 3G network Mobile broadband over smartphones and tablets has become the fastest growing segment of the global ICT market, according to ITU’s flagship annual report Measuring the Information Society 2013.
New figures released today By the I T U’s show buoyant global demand for information and communication technology (ICT) products and services, steadily declining prices for both cellular and broadband services, and unprecedented growth in 3G uptake.
[1].250 million additional people came online in 2012
[2]Republic of Korea tops ICT ranking for 3rd year in a row
[3]By end 2013 40% of the world will be online – but 1.1 billion households – or 4.4 billion people – remain unconnected
[4]Mobile broadband is now more affordable than fixed broadband
[5]Almost the whole world is now within reach of mobile cellular service
[6]30% of the world’s young population are ‘digital natives’
[7]Broadband is getting faster; 2Mbps now most popular basic package
[8]Telco operator CAPEX peaked in 2008; despite economic upturn investment levels have not returned