Telecommunications networks are vital infrastructure for consumers and organizations worldwide. The pace of innovation and development in a given region or sector is often tied to the health of local telecommunications networks, with digital transformation driving an increased dependency on speed and reliability. In order to meet these demands, network operators are looking to the deployment of next-generation networks.
The rollout of 5G has been a core focus in the mobile sector, with the development of 6G technology progressing alongside. Meanwhile, fiber-optic networks are delivering high-speed internet to fixed broadband customers in many markets. The scale and cost of delivering these networks has prompted shifts in the global market, with regulators looking to rethink restrictions on large-scale mergers, while also considering plans to require big tech firms to contribute to network costs.
Information technology (IT) spending on telecommunications services worldwide from 2008 to 2024 (in billion U.S. dollars)
Further details: Visit original statistic Information technology (IT) spending on telecommunications services worldwide from 2008 to 2024 (in billion U.S. dollars)
Strong growth in the global telecommunications market is expected in 2024, with a forecast 1.6 trillion U.S. dollars to be spent worldwide. This represents a 4.3 percent increase on the estimated spend for 2023. The reliability of telecoms services has become increasingly important in an era of flexible working, with organizations and governments recognizing the value of telecoms investment in the digital economy.
Telecommunications servicesForecast number of 5G mobile subscriptions worldwide from 2019 to 2029, by region (in millions)
Further details: Visit original statistic Forecast number of 5G mobile subscriptions worldwide from 2019 to 2029, by region (in millions)
The market can be broadly split into mobile and fixed-line communications. The fixed-line segment includes fixed broadband services, with a particular focus on the deployment of fiber-optic broadband, though also includes fixed-line voice services. The mobile segment concerns all aspects of mobile communications, including mobile data services. There has been a strong focus on the rollout of 5G, with the number of 5G subscriptions worldwide set to surpass two billion in 2024.
Fixed-line telecoms5G share of total mobile connections in 2023 and 2030, by region
Further details: Visit original statistic 5G share of total mobile connections in 2023 and 2030, by region
Global 5G adoption is under the spotlight, with the technology set to underpin a range of exciting artificial intelligence (AI) use cases. North America currently leads the way, with 5G accounting for more than half of all mobile connections. However, low adoption forecasts in parts of Africa and Eurasia risk many users becoming locked out of the 5G's revolution, with this digital divide driven by poor network infrastructure and affordability issues.
5GLeading telecommunications companies worldwide 2024, by market capitalization (in billion U.S. dollars)
Further details: Visit original statistic Leading telecommunications companies worldwide 2024, by market capitalization (in billion U.S. dollars)
Intense competition is a feature of telecoms markets across the globe. T-Mobile US is the largest telecoms company by market capitalization, having surpassed Beijing-based China Mobile in 2024. T-Mobile US is one of a range of major operators across the globe that has sought to boost its 5G offering by merging with rival network operators, with the firm having joined with Sprint in 2020. It has since emerged as a 5G leader, offering the highest average download speed of any U.S. operator.
AT&TMobile internet penetration worldwide in 2022, by region
Further details: Visit original statistic Mobile internet penetration worldwide in 2022, by region
While many fixed broadband users are enjoying the lightning fast download speeds offered by fiber connections, remote areas remain largely unserved. This has led some to look to mobile solutions, with so-called fixed wireless access (FWA) services using 4G and 5G technology to deliver fast, stable internet to a fixed premises. There were around 161 million such connections as of 2024, with around a third of these using 5G networks.
5G FWA
The telecommunications sector covers the companies and regulatory authorities that provide the services and infrastructure required to transmit signals, messages, and data. Primarily, this includes fixed-line and mobile internet and telephony services.
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