The rise in mobile phone usage has been nothing short of astonishing. Mobile phones have swiftly expanded from a specialised communication device to an indispensable instrument on which billions of people worldwide rely for many areas of their life. Here’s a quick rundown of how mobile phone user growth has changed throughout time:
Early days of Phones
Initially between (1980-1990), mobile phones were large, costly, and mostly used by business people. They were often known as “cell phones.” Due to expensive pricing and poor network coverage, mobile phone usage was limited during this time period.
Transition from Ana log to Digital
During (Late 1990-2000) there was a significant breakthroughs in mobile phone technology occurred in the late 1990 and early 2000, resulting in smaller and more cheap smartphones. This was the time when analogue networks gave way to digital networks, making mobile phones more accessible to a wider public. Furthermore, the emergence of text messaging and simple mobile apps contributed to the increased public adoption of mobile phones.
Smartphone Revolution
Smartphone Revolution started in (Late 2000- 2010), Apple’s 2007 release of the iPhone signalled the beginning of the smartphone age. Smartphones integrated standard mobile phone functions with computational capabilities, touchscreens, and app ecosystems. People began using their phones for communication, internet surfing, entertainment, productivity, and other purposes as a result of this breakthrough.
Smartphone Expansion
Smartphone Expansion began in (2010-2019), As smartphones became more inexpensive and accessible, the global mobile phone user population grew significantly. Mobile phone penetration increased significantly in developing nations with insufficient telecommunications infrastructure Over time, Mobile phones have become an essential part of many facets of modern life, including social contact, internet shopping, banking, healthcare, education, navigation, and many more. The growth of mobile applications and mobile internet access has changed the way people engage with technology and with one another. Furthermore, the emergence of low-cost cellphones began to bridge the gab in distant areas and underdeveloped areas which has spurred users growth.
Innovation era
With continued technical breakthroughs such as 5G connectivity, increased battery life, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and foldable smartphones, the mobile phone market continues to change. These improvements help to sustain and even accelerate the increase of mobile phone users.
Smart phones growth statistics has of today
- Global Mobile Phone Penetration:
- As of 2023, there are over 7.33 billion unique mobile phone users worldwide.
- Global mobile phone penetration (the percentage of the population with access to a mobile phone) was around 91.04%.
- Smartphone Adoption:
- Around 6.92 billion people were using smartphones globally.
- Smartphone penetration was approximately 85.95% of the global population.
- Mobile Connection Worldwide:
- Approximately 146% of the world’s population had access to mobile internet services.
- The number of mobile connection worldwide was estimated to be around 11.79 billion.
- Regional Variations:
- Asia-Pacific had the highest number of mobile phone users, driven by populous countries like China and India.
- Africa was experiencing significant growth in mobile phone adoption due to expanding network coverage and decreasing device costs.
- Emerging Technologies:
- The deployment of 6G networks was underway in various countries, offering faster and more reliable connectivity.
- The adoption of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, which often connect via mobile networks, was on the rise.
- Mobile App Usage:
- Users were spending a significant portion of their mobile time on apps, with social media, messaging, entertainment, Video Streaming apps, and productivity apps being popular categories.
Read more: How internet users growth has increased over time
Falana William is a passionate writer who has a keen interest in various topics. With expertise as a certified Google digital marketing expert, Falana William possesses the skills and knowledge to navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape. Combining a love for writing with proficiency in digital marketing, Falana William is equipped to create engaging and effective content that resonates with target audiences.
