GITNUXREPORT 2025

Cellular Usage Statistics

Global mobile usage surges with billions, streaming, shopping, and advancing rapidly.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

The average global mobile data consumption per smartphone user was 27.6 GB per month in 2023

Statistic 2

70% of internet traffic worldwide is generated via mobile devices as of 2023

Statistic 3

84% of mobile traffic is video content, as of 2023

Statistic 4

The average download speed on mobile networks globally was 44.2 Mbps in 2023

Statistic 5

The number of IoT devices connected via cellular networks reached over 1.2 billion in 2023

Statistic 6

In 2023, 65% of mobile users use Wi-Fi for most of their data consumption at home and work

Statistic 7

The global average mobile broadband speed increased by 30% from 2021 to 2023

Statistic 8

Mobile video consumption grew by 45% globally in 2023 compared to the previous year

Statistic 9

The average cost per gigabyte of mobile data decreased by 25% globally from 2021 to 2023

Statistic 10

The global mobile advertising spend reached approximately $224 billion in 2023

Statistic 11

Mobile data traffic is projected to increase tenfold by 2030, reaching 4.8 Zettabytes annually

Statistic 12

Mobile network speeds are 35% faster in urban areas than rural areas worldwide in 2023

Statistic 13

The average global mobile download speed on 5G networks is 150 Mbps in 2023

Statistic 14

The percentage of mobile data used for shopping purposes increased by 20% from 2021 to 2023

Statistic 15

The total revenue generated from mobile app advertising worldwide was roughly $270 billion in 2023

Statistic 16

The proportion of mobile traffic on e-commerce platforms increased by 15% from 2021 to 2023

Statistic 17

The majority of mobile network traffic (approximately 85%) is generated during daytime hours (9AM-9PM) worldwide in 2023

Statistic 18

40% of mobile data traffic during working hours is used for video conferencing in 2023

Statistic 19

90% of smartphone users own multiple messaging apps, such as WhatsApp and Messenger, in 2023

Statistic 20

87% of mobile users ages 16-64 use their phones for online shopping, in 2023

Statistic 21

The most popular mobile apps worldwide in 2023 are social media and messaging platforms, with TikTok and WhatsApp leading

Statistic 22

65% of users prefer mobile apps over mobile web for their daily activities in 2023

Statistic 23

54% of businesses worldwide prioritize mobile-friendly websites in their marketing strategies as of 2023

Statistic 24

70% of mobile users utilize their devices to access news and information daily in 2023

Statistic 25

68% of mobile users report taking at least one proactive step to enhance their security (such as installing an antivirus) in 2023

Statistic 26

58% of mobile users in Europe use their devices primarily for streaming video content, in 2023

Statistic 27

65% of mobile users are more likely to engage with brands that offer mobile-first experiences in 2023

Statistic 28

Mobile video chat applications saw a 25% increase in daily active users globally in 2023

Statistic 29

52% of mobile users in Australia use their phones predominantly for social media in 2023

Statistic 30

88% of the global population older than 15 owns a mobile phone

Statistic 31

Smartphone penetration reached 83% among mobile users globally in 2023

Statistic 32

61% of users access social media via mobile devices in 2023

Statistic 33

In 2023, 58% of mobile users in emerging markets used mobile money services

Statistic 34

68% of global mobile users report that coverage is good or excellent in their area as of 2023

Statistic 35

The number of mobile apps downloaded worldwide in 2023 is estimated at 218 billion

Statistic 36

75% of mobile internet usage occurs on smartphones rather than tablets or other devices

Statistic 37

60% of mobile users worldwide are concerned about data privacy on their devices in 2023

Statistic 38

55% of mobile users in the US own 5G-capable devices in 2023

Statistic 39

15% of smartphone users worldwide use AR or VR applications via cellular networks in 2023

Statistic 40

Mobile commerce sales accounted for 72% of all e-commerce sales globally in 2023

Statistic 41

In 2023, 45% of mobile users in Africa rely exclusively on mobile internet for their online activities

Statistic 42

Approximately 3.8 billion people globally access the internet exclusively via mobile devices as of 2023

Statistic 43

The adoption rate of 5G technology among new mobile device sales was 40% in 2023

Statistic 44

In 2023, 65% of young adults (18-24) primarily access the internet through smartphones

Statistic 45

The average user spends around 4 hours per day on their mobile device in 2023

Statistic 46

72% of mobile users in 2023 have enabled location services on their devices

Statistic 47

54% of mobile users prefer using their device for streaming music. in 2023

Statistic 48

80% of mobile users in developed countries own smartphones, whereas only 50% in developing regions, in 2023

Statistic 49

The share of women using mobile internet is 55% globally as of 2023

Statistic 50

Mobile network coverage reaches 95% of the global population as of 2023

Statistic 51

During 2023, over 50% of mobile users in Asia-Pacific region used their phones for mobile banking activities

Statistic 52

The global market for mobile augmented reality (AR) is projected to reach $4 billion by 2025

Statistic 53

85% of smartphone users employ their devices for navigation via GPS applications in 2023

Statistic 54

62% of mobile internet users in Latin America adopted mobile payments in 2023

Statistic 55

In 2023, approximately 60% of rural populations globally have access to mobile networks

Statistic 56

Mobile gaming accounts for 45% of the total gaming market revenue worldwide in 2023

Statistic 57

14% of mobile users worldwide regularly stream live video content, in 2023

Statistic 58

The average cost of a mobile device in the global market is approximately $350 in 2023

Statistic 59

79% of users in the US report that they have increased their mobile data usage over the past year in 2023

Statistic 60

Around 30% of mobile users worldwide utilize ad-blockers on their devices in 2023

Statistic 61

The average age of first mobile device acquisition worldwide is around 9 years old in 2023

Statistic 62

40% of mobile users aged 55 and above actively use health and fitness apps in 2023

Statistic 63

Mobile health application downloads increased by 30% globally between 2021 and 2023

Statistic 64

Over 5 billion mobile phone subscriptions worldwide as of 2023

Statistic 65

The number of 5G subscriptions worldwide surpassed 2.9 billion in 2023

Statistic 66

In 2023, mobile network providers invested over $200 billion globally in infrastructure upgrades

Statistic 67

The average monthly mobile bill globally is approximately $35 in 2023

Statistic 68

The share of prepaid mobile subscriptions accounts for 60% of worldwide mobile subscriptions in 2023

Statistic 69

The number of new mobile subscriptions added annually worldwide was approximately 240 million in 2023

Statistic 70

The worldwide mobile broadband subscriptions are expected to reach 9.5 billion by 2025

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Sources

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Key Highlights

Over 5 billion mobile phone subscriptions worldwide as of 2023
88% of the global population older than 15 owns a mobile phone
Smartphone penetration reached 83% among mobile users globally in 2023
The average global mobile data consumption per smartphone user was 27.6 GB per month in 2023
70% of internet traffic worldwide is generated via mobile devices as of 2023
61% of users access social media via mobile devices in 2023
The number of 5G subscriptions worldwide surpassed 2.9 billion in 2023
84% of mobile traffic is video content, as of 2023
The average download speed on mobile networks globally was 44.2 Mbps in 2023
90% of smartphone users own multiple messaging apps, such as WhatsApp and Messenger, in 2023
87% of mobile users ages 16-64 use their phones for online shopping, in 2023
The number of IoT devices connected via cellular networks reached over 1.2 billion in 2023
In 2023, 58% of mobile users in emerging markets used mobile money services

With over 5 billion mobile subscriptions worldwide and an unprecedented surge in data consumption, 2023 exemplifies how smartphones have become the central hub of global connectivity, commerce, and entertainment.

Internet and Data Traffic Trends

The average global mobile data consumption per smartphone user was 27.6 GB per month in 2023
70% of internet traffic worldwide is generated via mobile devices as of 2023
84% of mobile traffic is video content, as of 2023
The average download speed on mobile networks globally was 44.2 Mbps in 2023
The number of IoT devices connected via cellular networks reached over 1.2 billion in 2023
In 2023, 65% of mobile users use Wi-Fi for most of their data consumption at home and work
The global average mobile broadband speed increased by 30% from 2021 to 2023
Mobile video consumption grew by 45% globally in 2023 compared to the previous year
The average cost per gigabyte of mobile data decreased by 25% globally from 2021 to 2023
The global mobile advertising spend reached approximately $224 billion in 2023
Mobile data traffic is projected to increase tenfold by 2030, reaching 4.8 Zettabytes annually
Mobile network speeds are 35% faster in urban areas than rural areas worldwide in 2023
The average global mobile download speed on 5G networks is 150 Mbps in 2023
The percentage of mobile data used for shopping purposes increased by 20% from 2021 to 2023
The total revenue generated from mobile app advertising worldwide was roughly $270 billion in 2023
The proportion of mobile traffic on e-commerce platforms increased by 15% from 2021 to 2023
The majority of mobile network traffic (approximately 85%) is generated during daytime hours (9AM-9PM) worldwide in 2023
40% of mobile data traffic during working hours is used for video conferencing in 2023

Internet and Data Traffic Trends Interpretation

As mobile data consumption accelerates exponentially — with video reigning supreme and speeds roaring faster in cities than rural areas — our smartphones have become both the entertainment hubs and the economic engines of a shifting digital universe poised to hit over 4.8 zettabytes by 2030, all while smartly keeping costs down and minds glued during working hours.

Mobile Device Engagement and Behavior

90% of smartphone users own multiple messaging apps, such as WhatsApp and Messenger, in 2023
87% of mobile users ages 16-64 use their phones for online shopping, in 2023
The most popular mobile apps worldwide in 2023 are social media and messaging platforms, with TikTok and WhatsApp leading
65% of users prefer mobile apps over mobile web for their daily activities in 2023
54% of businesses worldwide prioritize mobile-friendly websites in their marketing strategies as of 2023
70% of mobile users utilize their devices to access news and information daily in 2023
68% of mobile users report taking at least one proactive step to enhance their security (such as installing an antivirus) in 2023
58% of mobile users in Europe use their devices primarily for streaming video content, in 2023
65% of mobile users are more likely to engage with brands that offer mobile-first experiences in 2023
Mobile video chat applications saw a 25% increase in daily active users globally in 2023
52% of mobile users in Australia use their phones predominantly for social media in 2023

Mobile Device Engagement and Behavior Interpretation

In 2023, our devices have become digital Swiss Army knives—multifunctional, security-conscious, and essential for everything from shopping and socializing to news feeding—making it clear that mobile isn’t just a convenience, but the central hub of our daily lives.

Mobile Device Usage and Penetration

88% of the global population older than 15 owns a mobile phone
Smartphone penetration reached 83% among mobile users globally in 2023
61% of users access social media via mobile devices in 2023
In 2023, 58% of mobile users in emerging markets used mobile money services
68% of global mobile users report that coverage is good or excellent in their area as of 2023
The number of mobile apps downloaded worldwide in 2023 is estimated at 218 billion
75% of mobile internet usage occurs on smartphones rather than tablets or other devices
60% of mobile users worldwide are concerned about data privacy on their devices in 2023
55% of mobile users in the US own 5G-capable devices in 2023
15% of smartphone users worldwide use AR or VR applications via cellular networks in 2023
Mobile commerce sales accounted for 72% of all e-commerce sales globally in 2023
In 2023, 45% of mobile users in Africa rely exclusively on mobile internet for their online activities
Approximately 3.8 billion people globally access the internet exclusively via mobile devices as of 2023
The adoption rate of 5G technology among new mobile device sales was 40% in 2023
In 2023, 65% of young adults (18-24) primarily access the internet through smartphones
The average user spends around 4 hours per day on their mobile device in 2023
72% of mobile users in 2023 have enabled location services on their devices
54% of mobile users prefer using their device for streaming music. in 2023
80% of mobile users in developed countries own smartphones, whereas only 50% in developing regions, in 2023
The share of women using mobile internet is 55% globally as of 2023
Mobile network coverage reaches 95% of the global population as of 2023
During 2023, over 50% of mobile users in Asia-Pacific region used their phones for mobile banking activities
The global market for mobile augmented reality (AR) is projected to reach $4 billion by 2025
85% of smartphone users employ their devices for navigation via GPS applications in 2023
62% of mobile internet users in Latin America adopted mobile payments in 2023
In 2023, approximately 60% of rural populations globally have access to mobile networks
Mobile gaming accounts for 45% of the total gaming market revenue worldwide in 2023
14% of mobile users worldwide regularly stream live video content, in 2023
The average cost of a mobile device in the global market is approximately $350 in 2023
79% of users in the US report that they have increased their mobile data usage over the past year in 2023
Around 30% of mobile users worldwide utilize ad-blockers on their devices in 2023
The average age of first mobile device acquisition worldwide is around 9 years old in 2023

Mobile Device Usage and Penetration Interpretation

With nearly universal global mobile ownership and a booming 218 billion app downloads in 2023, it’s clear that smartphones have transformed from mere communication tools into omnipresent gateways to social, financial, and entertainment worlds—raising both digital convenience and privacy debates while keeping us glued to our screens for an average of four hours daily.

Mobile Health and Application Trends

40% of mobile users aged 55 and above actively use health and fitness apps in 2023
Mobile health application downloads increased by 30% globally between 2021 and 2023

Mobile Health and Application Trends Interpretation

As older adults embrace health and fitness apps with the zeal of new converts, the exponential rise in global downloads signals a digital health revolution that’s both empowering for seniors and transforming the way we view aging.

Mobile Subscription and Broadband Growth

Over 5 billion mobile phone subscriptions worldwide as of 2023
The number of 5G subscriptions worldwide surpassed 2.9 billion in 2023
In 2023, mobile network providers invested over $200 billion globally in infrastructure upgrades
The average monthly mobile bill globally is approximately $35 in 2023
The share of prepaid mobile subscriptions accounts for 60% of worldwide mobile subscriptions in 2023
The number of new mobile subscriptions added annually worldwide was approximately 240 million in 2023
The worldwide mobile broadband subscriptions are expected to reach 9.5 billion by 2025

Mobile Subscription and Broadband Growth Interpretation

With over 5 billion mobile subscriptions and nearly 3 billion 5G accounts fueling global connectivity, a $200 billion infrastructure investment, and a continued surge with 240 million new lines annually, it's clear that the world is not just using mobile technology but living through a digital revolution—one prepaid plan at a time.