Inside Mobile Broadband: Statistics from 3G to LTE

Mobile broadband is gaining popularity for its ease of use and dependable connectivity. Whether you're on the move, working remotely, or simply value the convenience of staying connected wherever you are, mobile broadband offers a seamless solution.

It’s helpful to know more about the environment in which mobile broadband live, its usage, and its role in people’s lives. Therefore, we'll delve into demographics, statistics, and usage patterns of mobile broadband.

Global and Regional Statistics

Global Mobile Broadband Adoption Rates

Over the past decade, the number of mobile broadband subscriptions has surged worldwide, as revealed by Statista. In 2022, there were approximately 6.9 billion mobile broadband subscriptions globally, marking more than double the number recorded in 2015.

Adoption Rates by Region

North America:

Mobile internet adoption in North America reached 85 percent in 2022, with over 328 million people connected. In the US and Canada, penetration levels exceed 80 percent, contrasting with the Caribbean's 39 percent adoption rate, where 8.4 million subscribers accessed mobile internet in 2022.

Europe:

Over recent years, Europe has seen a steady rise in mobile internet usage, climbing from 70 percent of the population in 2019 to over 80 percent in 2022. Denmark, Norway, and the United Kingdom lead the pack with mobile internet penetration rates exceeding 90 percent.

Asia:

With 1.36 billion mobile internet subscribers in 2022, the Asia Pacific region has nearly half of its population connected. The region has narrowed its mobile internet usage gap from 60 percent in 2017 to 47 percent in 2022, driven by device affordability and improved digital skills. Mature markets like Australia, South Korea, and New Zealand exhibit adoption rates exceeding 80 percent.

Breakdown of 3G, 4G, and LTE Adoption Rates

3G:

According to Statista, in 2023, at least 95 percent of people in all regions except Africa had access to 3G mobile networks. Europe led with 99.7 percent coverage, while Africa lagged at 83.6 percent. Despite the industry's shift towards 4G and 5G, many users worldwide still rely on 3G for everyday connectivity.

4G:

Statista reports that 4G technology constituted 60 percent of all mobile connections in 2022, up from 58 percent the previous year. In a study by S&P Global Market Intelligence, Denmark leads with the world's highest 4G penetration rate at 83 percent, followed by South Korea at 76 percent and Australia at 65 percent.

LTE:

Statista forecasts LTE mobile subscriptions to have peaked at around 5.17 billion in 2024. However, in North America, subscriptions have declined since 2020, as newer 5G technology replaces 4G subscriptions. Insights from Huawei further detail the landscape, identifying South Korea as the leading market for LTE, where LTE connections comprise nearly two-thirds (64 percent) of all mobile connections. Following closely are Japan and the United States, where LTE connections constitute 39 percent and 37 percent, respectively, of total mobile connections.

Top 10 Nations by Mobile Internet Penetration Rate

These countries showcase exceptionally high rates of mobile internet adoption, underscoring the pervasive nature of mobile connectivity worldwide.

Regional Disparities in Mobile Broadband Penetration

Emerging markets often deal with lower mobile broadband usage due to challenges like limited infrastructure and affordability. Conversely, developed economies tend to have more and better access, thanks to their established infrastructure and higher spending power.

Take Indonesia, for example. A study there uncovered an interesting trend: a connection between mobile broadband coverage and income inequality that looks like an upside-down U. At first, as network coverage expands, inequality worsens until it hits around 60 percent coverage. After that point, more coverage helps reduce inequality. These findings hold up even after considering different factors and looking at data from before and during the pandemic. 

United States Mobile Broadband Market

The number of mobile internet users in the United States surged to over 282.5 million in 2022, reaching an all-time high. Forecasts suggest continuous growth, with an estimated increase of 9.9 million users (+2.91%) between 2024 and 2029, peaking at 350.49 million users by 2029.

Additionally, the population share with mobile internet access is expected to rise by 2.9 percentage points during the same period, reaching a new peak of 89.2 percent penetration by 2029.

Mobile Broadband Usage in the United States:

Over 83 percent of Americans access the internet through their smartphones, tablets, or other mobile devices, with 15 percent relying solely on these devices for internet connectivity. The majority of mobile networks in the U.S. utilize the LTE (Long Term Evolution) standard, offering speeds of up to 100 Mbps. While 3G is still utilized in some rural areas, most individuals are connected via 4G networks, with service providers actively rolling out 5G technology.

U.S. Cities for Mobile Internet Speed and Coverage:

A 2023 survey evaluated the mobile internet speed and coverage in the 100 most populous cities across the U.S. Here are the findings:

US Adoption Rates of 5G Compared with Global Averages

According to recent findings from Statista, the United States has emerged as a global leader in implementing and adopting fifth-generation (5G) mobile technology.

In 2022, US 5G adoption surged, with nearly 43 percent of all mobile connections utilizing this technology, a substantial increase from 15 percent in 2021. Projections indicate that by 2030, over 90 percent of connections in the US will be on 5G networks, placing the country on par with Canada and South Korea, and ahead of Germany, the United Kingdom, and Japan.

Speed and Performance Metrics: Comparative Statistics of 3G, 4G, and LTE Speeds

3G

3G technology, or third generation, emerged in the early 2000s as a transformative development in mobile communication. It offered enhanced capabilities such as faster data transfer rates and support for features like video calling and mobile internet browsing. However, speeds were slower than what we have today, often limited by network congestion and the technological constraints of early-generation smartphones.

Nonetheless, 3G represented a pivotal milestone in mobile technology evolution as it paved the way for today's high-speed networks. Subsequent enhancements such as HSPA and HSPA+ further boosted data transfer rates, enhancing user experiences.

Performance of 3G:

• Speeds range from 384 Kbps to a few Mbps.
• Latency averages around 100 ms.
• Moderate capacity with limitations on simultaneous connections.
• Generally acceptable reliability for voice and basic data services.

While 3G networks continue to operate in certain regions globally, they are gradually being phased out in favor of more advanced technologies like 4G and 5G.

The transition from 3G to 4G and 5G Networks

In February 2022, less than one percent of cell phone customers in the United States still relied on 3G networks. AT&T took proactive steps to facilitate the transition, offering free replacement devices ahead of the shutdown. Despite these efforts, a significant segment of the population persists in using devices compatible only with 2G and 3G networks. Similarly, about 6 percent of mobile users in the UK still use 3G or 2G-capable phones. 

While these devices won't become completely unusable when 3G networks are phased out, they will still work for calls and texts through the 2G network. However, users will lose access to 3G-enabled mobile data services.

The global landscape further reflects this transition, with the COVID-19 pandemic influencing market dynamics. The 2G and 3G Switch Off market size, valued at $1,645,360 in 2021, is projected to maintain this size through 2028, with a steady Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.4% during the review period.

4G

The fourth generation of network technology, also known as 4G, bridged the gap between the previous 3G standard and the subsequent 5G network. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) outlined the standards for 4G wireless technology, focusing on characteristics such as data speed and transmission technology.

Key points about 4G include:

• Enhanced Data Speed: 4G offers significantly faster data transfer rates than its predecessor. With speeds of up to 150 Mbps, users can seamlessly download and stream high-definition videos and engage in voice-over-internet protocol (VoIP) services.
• Impressive Bandwidth: One of the standout features of 4G is its impressive bandwidth speed. It provides a stationary speed of up to 1 Gbps and an upload speed of up to 50 Mbps.
• Transition from LTE: Initially developed as the LTE network, true 4G standards arrived in the United States around 2012. Unlike traditional circuit-switched networks, 4G operates as an internet protocol packet-switched network, facilitating more efficient data transmission.
• Reduced Latency: 4G networks boast a reduced latency of approximately 5 milliseconds, enhancing their suitability for data-heavy applications requiring real-time interaction.
• Higher Network Capacity: 4G networks offer higher network capacity than LTE networks, making them capable of accommodating more users simultaneously. These networks are built for high-speed data transfer and are an excellent solution for intensive activities like video streaming, gaming, and large file downloads.
• Packet-Switching Technology: 4G networks utilize packet-switching technology, breaking down data into smaller packets for transmission across the network. This approach increases scalability and efficiency while ensuring data security.
• Improved Signal Strength: 4G networks boast stronger signal strength compared to LTE networks, typically ranging between -80dBm and -90dBm.
• Expanded Device Compatibility: Designed to support most smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices, 4G networks offer broad accessibility. They are among the most widely available networks, making them compatible with nearly all mobile devices.

Expansion of 4G and 5G Networks

The global landscape of mobile connectivity has witnessed a significant transformation, as highlighted by the 2023 GSMA report. Currently, 90 percent of the world's population benefits from the expansive coverage provided by 4G networks, with an additional 32 percent embraced by the burgeoning 5G networks, marking a notable shift towards advanced cellular technology.

Supporting this transition, Ericsson's recent findings reveal a notable surge in 4G subscriptions, with an increase of 6 million recorded during Q3 2023 alone, pushing the total subscriptions to 5.2 billion. However, despite reaching its peak, projections suggest a gradual decline to approximately 3.2 billion by the end of 2029 as consumers progressively migrate to 5G networks.

LTE

LTE, short for "Long Term Evolution," represents a wireless broadband communication standard that succeeds 3G. It offers improved data speed and lower latency compared to its predecessor. Initially, LTE was introduced as a step toward true 4G connectivity, although it is not technically the same as 4G. The term "LTE" was coined as a marketing tactic to signify progress toward 4G. To enhance its appeal, marketers appended "4G" to "LTE," creating the term "4G LTE." 

While 4G LTE offers superior performance to 3G, it does not quite reach the speeds of genuine 4G networks. Here's a breakdown of key aspects:

Performance:

LTE networks utilize dedicated connections for fast and reliable data transfers, making them suitable for voice calls and data-heavy applications. Average download speeds range from 12-30 Mbps, significantly faster than 3G networks. Despite its speed improvements, LTE's latency remains relatively high, typically around 10 milliseconds.

Signal Strength and Compatibility:

LTE networks typically boast strong signal strengths between -80dBm and -90dBm, crucial for maintaining optimal data speeds. However, compared to 4G networks, LTE may experience slightly diminished data transfer speeds, impacting user experience. LTE networks are compatible with most smartphones, tablets, and mobile devices, ensuring widespread accessibility.

Capacity and Congestion:

LTE networks can support multiple users simultaneously, but congestion during peak periods may lead to slower speeds. Despite its advancements, LTE falls short of true 4G speeds, offering an intermediary solution between 3G and 4G technologies.

Global Reach of 4G LTE Networks

A 2023 report from the Global Mobile Suppliers' Associations reveals that 4G LTE technology has become widely adopted, reaching 60 percent of mobile users worldwide by December 2023. This widespread adoption underscores the success of LTE, which now constitutes 60 percent of the 5.4 billion unique subscriptions, connecting two-thirds of mobile users globally.

China leads the pack in 4G adoption, boasting a remarkable 1.3 billion LTE users by the end of 2019, followed by India with approximately 580 million users and the United States with around 316 million subscribers. Countries such as Brazil, Indonesia, Japan, and Russia also show substantial numbers.

To ensure seamless LTE connectivity worldwide, it's essential to note that LTE frequencies and bands vary across countries. This necessitates the use of multi-band phones for universal LTE access. Despite these variations, these are the top ten countries with the highest LTE penetration with their corresponding percentage:

Technological Development

Advancements in Mobile Broadband Technology

In recent years, advancements in mobile broadband technology have significantly enhanced speed, capacity, and user experience, shaping the evolution of wireless communication. Key milestones have played pivotal roles in this transformation.

Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO):

MIMO technology has transformed wireless communication by using multiple antennas for sending and receiving data. With a 4x4 MIMO system, there are four transmitters and four receivers, enabling up to four simultaneous data streams. This results in a 30 percent boost in data speed compared to 2x2 MIMO. Devices supporting 4G and 5G networks often utilize 4x4 MIMO technology for improved performance.

Carrier Aggregation: 

Carrier aggregation allows mobile networks to use multiple frequency bands at the same time, boosting data speeds and network capacity. By combining carriers from different parts of the spectrum, carrier aggregation widens the data pathway and increases capacity, enabling faster speeds. For example, Gigabit LTE utilizes five or more aggregated carriers to achieve theoretical data rates exceeding 3 Gbps. 

Market Analysis

Mobile Broadband Market Size

The Mobile Broadband Market, valued at over $1 trillion as of 2023, is expected to grow steadily with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.5 percent over the next five years. This growth is driven by the increasing number of mobile users and their demand for reliable connectivity. In 2023, the market saw a notable 12 percent revenue increase.

User Trends and Data Consumption

Global Data Consumption Trends

In 2022, the global average data usage per smartphone per month stood at 15 gigabytes (GB), a figure expected to surge nearly fourfold to 46 GB per smartphone per month by 2028. This exponential growth underscores the increasing reliance on mobile devices for various online activities.

During the third quarter of 2023, global users allocated nearly 60 percent of their online time to browsing the web via mobile devices, highlighting the increasing prominence of mobile internet access. Popular app activities on mobile devices include chatting, listening to music, and engaging in online banking activities, reflecting the multifaceted nature of mobile usage.

Regional Disparities in Data Usage

Within the United States, American households exhibit high data consumption, with the average household consuming 550.2 GB of data per month and nearly 6.3 terabytes (TB) annually. Most households in the U.S. enjoy internet speeds ranging from 200 to 400 megabits per second (Mbits/s). The average internet user in the U.S. consumed 154.6 GB of fixed and mobile data monthly in 2021, with approximately 16 percent of households exceeding 1 TB of monthly data usage.

In contrast, European households demonstrate comparatively lower data consumption levels, averaging 212.1 GB per month. Regional variations in mobile usage are evident, with distinct preferences and habits observed across different countries. 

Impact of Unlimited Data Plans on Consumers

Behavioral Shifts Among Users:

Unlimited data plans have sparked significant shifts in user behavior, prompting them to increasingly depend on mobile data for a diverse range of online tasks, spanning entertainment, productivity, and communication. With the convenience of unlimited data, users are embracing data-intensive applications and activities like video streaming and cloud gaming, whether at home or while on the move.

However, the widespread adoption of unlimited data plans also challenges network infrastructure. The surge in data consumption can strain network capacity, resulting in heightened congestion and slower connection speeds, particularly during peak usage periods 

Impact on Consumption:

Data consumption has increased, particularly among those who stream high-definition content, download large files, and engage in bandwidth-heavy activities.

However, it’s common for Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to implement fair usage policies, which may throttle speeds for users who exceed certain thresholds.

Demographic Insights

Demographics of Mobile Broadband Users in China

The Global demographics and USA demographics data and statistics for Mobile broadband users are currently unavailable, but here's an insight into China's Mobile broadband demographics. This provides an idea of mobile internet usage across different gender, age, education, and occupation segments in China.

Challenges and Future Outlook in Mobile Broadband

Challenges Faced by Mobile Broadband Providers

Spectrum Allocation:

Spectrum allocation involves regulatory dynamics where governmental bodies distribute spectrum licenses to mobile broadband providers. However, the limited availability of spectrum presents significant challenges for expansion. This scarcity restricts network capacity and impedes the introduction of new services, ultimately hindering the expansion of mobile broadband coverage.

Security and Privacy Concerns:

Security and privacy concerns in mobile broadband networks are becoming increasingly significant as more sensitive data is transmitted. Ensuring user privacy and security has become vital in this context. Mobile broadband providers are implementing encryption protocols, authentication mechanisms, and data protection measures to address these concerns.

Challenges Facing Mobile Operators in the 5G Era:

With increased competition and government regulations, mobile operators are experiencing declining revenues and shrinking margins. Despite these challenges, they must invest in upgrading their networks to support the latest 5G technology. Additionally, new competitors offering over-the-top services are entering the market, posing a threat to traditional mobile operators.

"Over-the-top services" refer to digital services that are delivered over the internet, bypassing traditional distribution methods like cable or satellite. These services are typically provided directly to consumers, often via third-party platforms, without the involvement of traditional telecommunications providers. 

Examples include streaming video services like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+, as well as messaging apps like WhatsApp and Skype. They're called "over-the-top" because they ride on top of existing internet infrastructure without the need for specialized networks or agreements with traditional service providers. Adapting to this changing landscape and staying relevant is a significant challenge for operators.

Future Outlook of Mobile Broadband

Unlocking 5G: A Leap Forward in Connectivity

Introduced in 2019, 5G made its debut with carriers like Verizon leading the way in developing 5G networks in major cities like Chicago and Minneapolis. Subsequently, other major carriers like Sprint, AT&T, and T-Mobile quickly followed suit, rolling out their own 5G infrastructure and services. 

As of January 2022, Illinois boasted the highest average 5G download speeds in the United States, clocking in at 141.4 Mbps. New York and Minnesota followed, with average speeds of 138.6 Mbps and 131.9 Mbps, in that order.

Key Features of 5G:

• Built on Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM), minimizing signal interference and optimizing transmission efficiency.
• Utilizes 5G New Radio (NR) alongside OFDM, enabling wider bandwidths, ranging from sub-6 GHz to millimeter-wave (mmWave), ensuring multi-gigabit throughput and minimal latency.

Performance Enhancement:

• Offers peak data rates of up to 20 Gbps and average rates exceeding 100 Mbps, representing a significant leap from 4G.
• Reduces latency from 200 milliseconds to just 1 millisecond, facilitating real-time communication and interaction.

5G Adoption Rate

As of June 2023, there are over 1.1 billion 5G subscriptions globally, with 240 service providers having established 5G networks, including 35 with 5G Standalone (SA) networks. The proliferation of 5G smartphones, numbering over 700 models by early 2023, is driving rapid adoption, with projections indicating 2 billion connections by 2025 and an estimated 4.6 billion subscriptions by 2028, surpassing half of all mobile subscriptions worldwide.

Looking ahead, Statista forecasts that by 2030, 5G connections will dominate mobile connectivity in several countries. In South Korea, Canada, and the United States, 5G connections are expected to make up 95 percent of all mobile connections, while in China, it is anticipated to reach 88 percent.

5G’s Impact on IoT

Combining 5G with edge computing unlocks new possibilities for various industries. For instance, IBM and Verizon are exploring solutions like remote-controlled robotics and real-time video analysis for factory automation. Here are some key IoT applications:

1. Remote Inspection: 5G facilitates remote inspection of equipment like utility poles and transformers using drones or remote cameras. Images and sensor data can be sent to the cloud for automated problem detection, saving time and resources.
2. Visual Inspection: In manufacturing, 5G enables real-time visual inspection of production lines. Cameras capture images for AI analysis, detecting defects or quality issues instantly.
3. AI and AR Technician Assistance: 5G and edge computing support virtual and augmented reality applications for technicians. They can receive remote guidance and assistance in various environments, improving efficiency and problem-solving.
4. Connected Vehicles: 5G's low latency and high bandwidth enhance connectivity for connected vehicles. This enables various applications, from data collection in modern automobiles to support for autonomous driving.

To Wrap Up

With 6.9 billion global subscriptions, mobile broadband has become an indispensable tool. Whether streaming videos, staying connected on social media, or accessing vital information, mobile broadband ensures that we're always connected, no matter where we are. 

As you consider your mobile broadband options, consider the wealth of data and statistics available to help you make informed decisions. Remember to use it wisely to stay connected to what matters most in your life. With the rise of 5G networks, mobile broadband is evolving into an even more powerful tool. It has the potential to bridge connectivity gaps and bring people closer together.