New iGR Study Forecasts Worldwide Mobile Connections to Reach Almost 9 Billion in 2018

Growth in Mobile Connections Due in Part to Subscribers' Adoption of Multiple Devices, Including Tablets and Connected Cars


AUSTIN, TX--(Marketwired - Jan 30, 2014) - One mobile subscriber can use many mobile connections, as is evidenced by many countries' current mobile penetration rates of more than 100 percent. In addition to a mobile phone or smartphone, a subscriber can use a mobile connection of a tablet, a mobile hotspot, a portable modem or, increasingly, an embedded modem in a connected car. By looking at the world's mobile connections, we can see which regions currently produce the most connections and which will see the largest growth over the next five years.

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 growing 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.

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.

"iGR believes that mobile connections will grow strongly over the forecast period due in part to the use of multiple mobile devices," said Iain Gillott, president and founder of iGR, a market research consultancy focused on the wireless and mobile industry. "Subscribers in developed markets are no longer using only a single smartphone connection, but are increasingly connecting via a smartphone, tablet and connected car."

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.

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