In 2020 the global mobile industry is poised for evolution with the development of 5G well underway. While it is not yet possible to assess the full impact of 5G; if predictions are correct then we will soon see both a transformation and disruption occurring to both the mobile sector and many associated industries.
While we wait for this evolution to fully unfold; the industry is not sitting still with significant investment being directed towards deploying and upgrading 4G LTE technology - as it is required to underpin 5G. Capital expenditure is being focused towards deploying fibre-based broadband networks, as these will also be required as the backbone for 5G.
BuddeComm notes that ultimately, the operators are very focused on the bottom-line and increasing revenues is a top priority given the number of markets which are now saturated in terms of mobile subscriber growth.
In the emerging markets, which often still rely heavily on 3G, and even 2G technology; we are seeing a resurgence in the use of mobile satellite for such areas. The global governing industry bodies, like the United Nations and Global Mobile Suppliers Association, are very keen to see the emerging markets gain access to improved mobile services to ensure they have access to important social and economic communications and services.
This BuddeComm report explores the key issues impacting upon the global mobile industry and is supported by key subscriber statistics for both mobile and mobile broadband. The report provides global statistics on mobile technologies, mobile revenue and CAPEX and mobile data.
For further information on 5G, see separate report: BuddeComm Intelligence Report - 5G Global Trends and Leading Regional Countries.
Kylie Wansink, February 2020
Key developments:
Mobile penetration continues to vary widely throughout the world in 2020.
There are a large number f consumers with multiple mobile subscriptions globally.
It is Asia which is expected to drive future growth in the mobile sector and it already accounts for the most mobile subscribers worldwide.
While 4G LTE has a good penetration in many markets of the world; there are some developing countries where there is still a mix of 2G and 3G networks in use, especially in more rural and poorer districts.
Low cost affordable handsets and second-hand devices are also popular in the emerging markets.
The number of Wi-Fi hotspot around the world continues to grow, driven by the consumers, businesses, Wi-Fi providers, and Telecom operators.
Table of Contents
Global mobile market analysis – 2020
Mobile economy is a key focus area
Value-add services are important
CoronaVirus and its impact on the mobile industry
Mobile plays an important role in digital inclusion
Mobile satellite is important for emerging markets
Global mobile market - key statistics
Global mobile subscriptions
5G subscriptions forecast
Smart phone shipments
Global mobile technologies
Global mobile broadband statistics
Global mobile broadband subscriptions
Regional mobile broadband penetration
Mobile data traffic
4G LTE – the dominant mobile technology
LTE and spectrum use
Other LTE trends
Global LTE statistics
Global VoLTE overview
Global WiFi market
Mobile industry financial insights
Global mobile revenue and CAPEX
Conclusion
Related reports
List of Tables
Table 1 – Number of operators and countries investing in 5G - 2019
Table 2 – Global – unique mobile subscribers – 2010 - 2020