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ICT & Media🇳🇱 Netherlands

Netherlands 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.

Netherlands Mobile Cellular SubscriptionsMillion · 2015–2024

242220182015: 20.812016: 20.892017: 20.53Trough2018: 21.112019: 21.762020: 21.422021: 21.892022: 20.742023: 22.672024: 23.43Peak20152017201920212024
Source: data.worldbank.orgLast updated: April 2026

What Netherlands Mobile Cellular Subscriptions shows

Netherlands Mobile Cellular Subscriptions was 23.43 Million in 2024, up 3.4% on 2023. Netherland's mobile cellular subscription from 2015 to 2024 stands as a monumental pillar of European digital excellence and a breathtaking example of sustained, high-velocity growth. Over this transformative decade, the nation witnessed its subscription base expand from a massive 20.81 million to a staggering 23.43 million, reflecting an unwavering commitment to total national connectivity.

Trend

Rising to a series high

Netherlands Mobile Cellular Subscriptions moved from 20.81 Million in 2015 to 23.43 Million in 2024 (+12.6%), an average of +1.3% a year. The series high was 23.43 Million in 2024 and the low 20.53 Million in 2017.

Volatility

A 12.4% peak-to-trough swing

The gap between the series high (2024) and low (2017) is 2.90 Million. The sharpest single-year move was +9.3% in 2023.

Structure

Ranks 24 of 33 countries covered

Among the 33 countries in this dataset, Netherlands ranks 24 for 2024, behind China (1,870 Million) and India (1,150 Million). It accounts for 0.3% of the global total in 2024.

Full series

Netherlands 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.

Netherlands Mobile Cellular Subscriptions, 2015–2024, Million.
YearMillionChange vs prior year
2024Peak 23.43 +3.4%
2023 22.67 +9.3%
2022 20.74 −5.3%
2021 21.89 +2.2%
2020 21.42 −1.6%
2019 21.76 +3.1%
2018 21.11 +2.8%
2017 Trough20.53 −1.7%
2016 20.89 +0.4%
2015 20.81 —

Regional context

How Netherlands compares in Europe & Central Asia

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

1Russia
269.5
2Germany
109.2
3UK
84.10
4Italy
78.67
5Spain
62.41
6Netherlands
23.43
7Sweden
14.92
8Denmark
7.57

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).

This relentless surge highlights a society that has completely woven mobile technology into the very heart of its economic and social identity. The Dutch telecommunications sector is an absolute marvel of engineering, boasting a hyper-advanced infrastructure that spearheaded the aggressive transition to the revolutionary frontiers of 5G technology. With penetration rates that consistently exceed 100% of the total population, the data reveals an elite nation where multi-device ownership and persistent, high-capacity enterprise connectivity are the non-negotiable standard. This monumental growth was fueled by an insatiable demand for sophisticated data services, immersive streaming, and an advanced Internet of Things ecosystem that powers one of the world's most innovative economies. Major telecom titans have poured unfathomable billions into spectrum acquisition and network hardening to ensure the Netherlands remains the undisputed vanguard of the digital age. This dataset serves as a powerful, ironclad testament to a market that refuses to plateau, continuously reinventing itself through radical innovation and a visionary commitment to connectivity. It is a definitive portrait of a digital superpower maintaining a relentless grip on the future of communications, ensuring that every corner of the nation is bathed in lightning-fast, high-speed signals. The Netherlands is not merely observing the digital future—it is actively engineering it, establishing a resilient and high-performing telecom landscape that serves as an elite blueprint for the entire global community.

Indicator
Mobile Cellular Subscriptions
Country
Netherlands
Region
Europe & Central Asia
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 Netherlands 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 Netherlands Mobile Cellular Subscriptions in 2024?

Netherlands Mobile Cellular Subscriptions was 23.43 Million in 2024, up 3.4% on 2023.

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

Netherlands Mobile Cellular Subscriptions moved from 20.81 Million in 2015 to 23.43 Million in 2024 (+12.6%), an average of +1.3% a year. The series high was 23.43 Million in 2024 and the low 20.53 Million in 2017.

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

The highest value was 23.43 Million in 2024 and the lowest was 20.53 Million in 2017.

Where does the Netherlands 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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