India’s mobile penetration is merely 26 percent and China’s is just 43 percent, says “Unique subscriber penetration” data of GSMA. The mobile industry’s trade body has also revealed that only 45 percent of the world’s population have subscribed to mobile services.
It says the number of mobile subscribers globally will be 3.2 billion by Q4 2012, growing to 4 billion within the next five years.
Such unpleasant findings are the results of a primary research, undertaken by the GSMA’s Wireless Intelligence team over three years and across 39 developed and developing markets. Anne Bouverot, director general of the GSMA, said:
This research, for the first time, highlights the difference between mobile connections and individual mobile subscribers, and points to a significant growth opportunity for the mobile industry as we continue to connect the world’s population. By identifying inactive SIMs and multiple SIM ownership, we have developed the most accurate measurement of the global mobile subscriber base, which shows that only 45 per cent of the world’s population has subscribed to mobile services.
Europe has the highest (90 percent) and Africa has the lowest (33 percent) mobile penetration in the world. Africa is expected to increase to 40 percent in 2017. In Asia, the penetration stands 40 percent, and is expected to grow to 49 percent by 2017. Globally the consumers are using an average of 1.85 SIM cards each. Here is the full story.
2 Comments
Rohan Samarajiva
We have consistently questioned the reporting of SIM counts and interpretation thereof: e.g., http://lirneasia.net/2011/11/idi-why-does-the-itu-believe-that-sim-profligacy-serves-public-policy-objectives/.
Now, finally, others have caught on. But we need time to assess their methodology.
Abu Saeed Khan
GSMA’s revelation coincides with the closing of ITU’s Telecom World 2012 in Dubai. Guy Daniels of Telecom TV has asked an important question, “As ITU Telecom World 2012 ends its visit to the Middle East, the event will continue its global tour next year with a week in Bangkok. But does it still attract the right delegates, cover the issues that matter, and does it lead to real results?”
Request For Proposals: Sri Lanka Educational Technology Survey
LIRNEasia is inviting proposals from qualified research organisations to develop a study on Sri Lanka’s Educational Technology (EdTech) landscape. The study aims to examine the current state of EdTech adoption, innovations, and the enabling and constraining factors across Sri Lanka’s education system, while assessing how educational decision-makers perceive and use EdTech and data systems.
Protecting Children Online: What is Missing from Sri Lanka’s Proposed Bill?
In an article published in the Daily FT on 30 June 2026, Attorney-at-Law and LIRNEasia Researcher Sachini Ranasinghe examines the Private Member’s Bill proposed by Opposition MP Faiszer Musthapha, which seeks to restrict social media access for children under the age of 16 in Sri Lanka. She argues that the key question is not whether children need stronger protection online, but whether Sri Lanka is proposing the right solution and has undertaken the groundwork necessary to make such legislation effective.
LIRNEasia leads new Asia Observatory on Responsible AI Innovations for Development
In February 2026, the Asia AI4D Observatory: A policy and innovation network on responsible artificial intelligence was launched with the support of the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) of Canada and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. LIRNEasia, East-West Management Institute, JustJobs Network, and EngageMedia, this three-year initiative will support Asia’s capacity to design, govern, and scale responsible (i.
Links
User Login
Themes
Social
Twitter
Facebook
RSS Feed
Contact
9A 1/1, Balcombe Place
Colombo 08
Sri Lanka
+94 (0)11 267 1160
+94 (0)11 267 5212
info [at] lirneasia [dot] net
Copyright © 2026 LIRNEasia
a regional ICT policy and regulation think tank active across the Asia Pacific