AUSTIN, TX--(Marketwired - Feb 5, 2014) - The worldwide population is expected to continue its steady growth over the next five years from its current 7.1 billion people. Worldwide wireless connections are also expected to grow from 6.5 billion connections in 2013 to reach almost 9 billion in 2018. Due to the proliferation of mobile devices, the global wireless penetration rate will rise from 91.8 percent in 2013 to 120 percent in 2018.
Aside from the increase in the number of connections, the other major change over the forecast period is the shift from 2G to 3G to 4G. For example, in 2013, 2G connections comprised 63 percent of all mobile connections. As these 2G connections decline over the next five years, 3G connections will become predominant. Fourth generation technologies, primarily LTE, will also see rapid growth globally, increasing from just 2.7 percent of all connections in 2013.
This global forecast shows how people the world over are increasingly using mobile devices as their main voice and data communications tool. In less developed regions, a smartphone may be the user's only connection to the Internet, while in more mature markets individual subscribers use several mobile devices.
"Many developing markets will continue to rely on second generation technologies throughout the forecast period," said Iain Gillott, president and founder of iGR, a market research consultancy focused on the wireless and mobile industry. "However, in developed markets, such as the United States, Japan and South Korea, subscribers are shifting from third to fourth generation technologies, primarily LTE."
iGR's new market study, Global Mobile Connections Forecast, 2013 - 2018: More people, tablets, cars and connected things, forecasts the number of mobile connections during the five year forecast period at both the global level and for each of the following regions: North America, Latin America, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Japan. In addition, the forecasted connections are categorized by 2G, 3G and 4G technology generations, as well as by specific wireless technologies, such as GSM, CDMA, UMTS/HSPA and LTE.
The following key questions are addressed in the new research study:
- How many wireless connections are there globally and in each major geographic region?
- What is the split of those connections by technology type -- both air interface and generation?
- What are some of the key connection-related trends by technology, including GSM, CDMA, UMTS/HSPA, and LTE for the world and for each region?
- What are the major markets for LTE both today and throughout the forecast period?
- When does iGR expect LTE to become a significant portion of the various regions over the forecast period?
The information in this report will be valuable for:
- Mobile operators
- Device OEMs
- Mobile infrastructure and equipment OEMs
- Content providers and distributors
- Financial analysts and investors
The new report can be purchased and downloaded directly from iGR's website at www.iGR-inc.com. Alternatively, contact Iain Gillott at (512) 263-5682 or at Iain@iGR-inc.com for additional details.
About iGR
iGR is a market strategy consultancy focused on the wireless and mobile communications industry. Founded by Iain Gillott, one of the wireless industry's leading analysts, in late 2000 as iGillottResearch, iGR is now entering its fourteenth year of operation. iGR continuously researches emerging and existent technologies, technology industries, and consumer markets. We use our detailed research to offer a range of services to help companies improve their position in the marketplace, clearly define their future direction, and ultimately improve their bottom line.
iGR researches a range of wireless and mobile products and technologies, including: smartphones; tablets; mobile wearable devices; connected cars; mobile applications; bandwidth demand and use; small cell and het-net architectures; mobile EPC and RAN virtualization; DAS; LTE; VoLTE; IMS; NFC; GSM/GPRS/UMTS/HSPA; CDMA 1x/EV-DO; iDEN; SIP; macro-, pico- and femtocells; mobile backhaul; WiFi and WiFi offload; and SIM and UICC.
A more complete profile of the company can be found at www.igr-inc.com.
Contact Information:
Contact iGR
Iain Gillott
(512) 263-5682