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ICT & Media🇲🇾 Malaysia

Malaysia Mobile Cellular Subscriptions

– Mobile cellular subscriptions refer to subscriptions to a public mobile telephone service that provide access to the public switched telephone network (PSTN) using cellular technology.

Malaysia Mobile Cellular SubscriptionsMillion · 2015–2024

555045402015: 44.102016: 43.462017: 42.34Trough2018: 42.412019: 44.602020: 43.722021: 47.202022: 47.952023: 50.14Peak2024: 49.6620152017201920212024
Source: data.worldbank.orgLast updated: April 2026

What Malaysia Mobile Cellular Subscriptions shows

Malaysia Mobile Cellular Subscriptions was 49.66 Million in 2024, down 1% on 2023. Malaysia’s mobile cellular subscription from 2015 to 2024 reflect a stable and moderately growing telecommunications market. Subscription volumes increased from 44.10 million in 2015 to 49.66 million in 2024, supported by high smartphone penetration and digital adoption.

Trend

Higher over the period

Malaysia Mobile Cellular Subscriptions moved from 44.10 Million in 2015 to 49.66 Million in 2024 (+12.6%), an average of +1.3% a year. The series high was 50.14 Million in 2023 and the low 42.34 Million in 2017.

Volatility

A 15.6% peak-to-trough swing

The gap between the series high (2023) and low (2017) is 7.80 Million. The sharpest single-year move was +8% in 2021.

Structure

Ranks 21 of 33 countries covered

Among the 33 countries in this dataset, Malaysia ranks 21 for 2024, behind China (1,870 Million) and India (1,150 Million). It accounts for 0.6% of the global total in 2024.

Full series

Malaysia Mobile Cellular Subscriptions by year

Complete annual series with year-on-year change. Values are reported in Million.

Scroll the table sideways to see all columns.

Malaysia Mobile Cellular Subscriptions, 2015–2024, Million.
YearMillionChange vs prior year
2024 49.66 −1%
2023Peak 50.14 +4.6%
2022 47.95 +1.6%
2021 47.20 +8%
2020 43.72 −2%
2019 44.60 +5.2%
2018 42.41 +0.2%
2017 Trough42.34 −2.6%
2016 43.46 −1.5%
2015 44.10 —

Regional context

How Malaysia compares in East Asia & Pacific

Mobile Cellular Subscriptions by country, 2024, Million. Malaysia is highlighted.

1China
1,870
2Indonesia
347.3
3Philippines
133.6
4Thailand
115.1
5South Korea
89.22
6Malaysia
49.66
7Australia
30.07
8Singapore
9.96

About this indicator

Mobile Cellular Subscriptions — – Mobile cellular subscriptions refer to subscriptions to a public mobile telephone service that provide access to the public switched telephone network (PSTN) using cellular technology. It includes both postpaid subscriptions and active prepaid SIM cards that have been used within a specified period (typically the last three months).

The telecom sector benefits from strong infrastructure and ongoing technological advancements. Growth is driven by increasing demand for mobile data services and digital applications. Overall, the dataset highlights Malaysia as a stable telecom market with steady growth and strong digital integration. This consistent expansion is a clear indicator of a nation that has successfully integrated mobile technology into every aspect of its social and economic life. The data reveals a society that is highly connected and tech-savvy, with a telecommunications framework that is both robust and reliable. Malaysia’s commitment to building a world-class digital infrastructure is evident in the sustained growth of its subscription base. The dataset provides an inspiring look at a mature market that continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the digital age. Malaysia stands as a regional leader in digital inclusion and infrastructure excellence, ensuring that its citizens remain at the absolute vanguard of the global communications age. The data underscores a nation that is perfectly positioned to drive the future of the digital economy in Southeast Asia. With a strong regulatory framework and a focus on innovation, Malaysia is set to maintain its status as a premier hub for digital transformation. The dataset provides a definitive portrait of a digital powerhouse that is masterfully balancing market maturity with cutting-edge innovation.

Indicator
Mobile Cellular Subscriptions
Country
Malaysia
Region
East Asia & Pacific
Unit
Million
Coverage
2015–2024, annual
Category
ICT & Media
Last updated
April 2026
Source
data.worldbank.org

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Frequently asked questions

What is Malaysia Mobile Cellular Subscriptions?

Definition – Mobile cellular subscriptions refer to subscriptions to a public mobile telephone service that provide access to the public switched telephone network (PSTN) using cellular technology. It includes both postpaid subscriptions and active prepaid SIM cards that have been used within a specified period (typically the last three months). Inclusions – The data includes all active mobile cellular subscriptions offering voice communication services, covering both prepaid and postpaid accounts. It encompasses subscriptions across analogue and digital cellular technologies (including 2G, 3G, and 4G systems) and is compiled from telecom operators and regulatory authorities, typically aggregated at the national level. Exclusions – The data excludes subscriptions used solely for mobile data services such as USB modems or data cards, as well as private trunked mobile radio, radio paging, telepoint systems, and telemetry services. It also does not capture inactive SIM cards or non-voice-based mobile connectivity services.

What was Malaysia Mobile Cellular Subscriptions in 2024?

Malaysia Mobile Cellular Subscriptions was 49.66 Million in 2024, down 1% on 2023.

How has Malaysia Mobile Cellular Subscriptions changed between 2015 and 2024?

Malaysia Mobile Cellular Subscriptions moved from 44.10 Million in 2015 to 49.66 Million in 2024 (+12.6%), an average of +1.3% a year. The series high was 50.14 Million in 2023 and the low 42.34 Million in 2017.

Which year had the highest and lowest Malaysia Mobile Cellular Subscriptions?

The highest value was 50.14 Million in 2023 and the lowest was 42.34 Million in 2017.

Where does the Malaysia Mobile Cellular Subscriptions data come from?

The series is sourced from data.worldbank.org (https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/IT.CEL.SETS). It covers 2015–2024 and is reported in Million.

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