Mobile Subscribers to Hit 5.2 Billion in 2011

Communications market research firm Infonetics Research reports there were 3 times more mobile subscribers than access line subscribers worldwide in 2007 (3.3 billion vs. 1.1 billion), and expects continued strong growth in mobile subscribers, mainly driven by basic voice service needs in BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India, and China).

Infonetics' report shows that the number of mobile subscribers jumped 31% in 2007 over 2006, while access line subscribers declined 5%.

"Subscribers in Brazil, Russia, and later this year China, are migrating to 3G, which in turn will lead to a 2G and 2.5G to 3G subscriber migration process in 2008. However, current GSM deployment patterns remain unabated, with double-digit GSM subscriber growth rates being common in BRIC countries," said Stéphane Téral, principal analyst at Infonetics Research.

Other highlights from the report:

• The number of worldwide mobile subscribers will reach 5.2 billion by 2011
• Cellular mobile broadband subscribers are forecast to grow at a 104% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2007 to 2011
• By 2011, there will be about 1 cellular mobile broadband subscriber for every 4 wireline broadband subscribers
• Access lines are declining and broadband penetration is increasing, fueling VoIP subscriber penetration
• Caribbean and Latin America (CALA) is the only region in which the number of access lines is expected to grow
• WiMAX is emerging as both a 3G mobile and a broadband wireline alternative

Posted to the site on 7th August 2008