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ICT & Media🇵🇭 Philippines

Philippines 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.

Philippines Mobile Cellular SubscriptionsMillion · 2015–2024

1751501251002015: 117.8Trough2016: 120.12017: 1202018: 134.62019: 167.32020: 149.62021: 163.42022: 168Peak2023: 134.72024: 133.620152017201920212024
Source: data.worldbank.orgLast updated: April 2026

What Philippines Mobile Cellular Subscriptions shows

Philippines Mobile Cellular Subscriptions was 133.6 Million in 2024, down 0.9% on 2023. Philippines’ mobile cellular subscription trends between 2015 and 2024 reflect a rapidly evolving telecommunications market characterized by growth and volatility. Subscription volumes increased from 117.84 million in 2015 to 133.57 million in 2024, with fluctuations influenced by regulatory changes and market competition.

Trend

Higher over the period

Philippines Mobile Cellular Subscriptions moved from 117.8 Million in 2015 to 133.6 Million in 2024 (+13.3%), an average of +1.4% a year. The series high was 168 Million in 2022 and the low 117.8 Million in 2015.

Volatility

A 29.9% peak-to-trough swing

The gap between the series high (2022) and low (2015) is 50.18 Million. The sharpest single-year move was +24.3% in 2019.

Structure

Ranks 9 of 33 countries covered

Among the 33 countries in this dataset, Philippines ranks 9 for 2024, behind China (1,870 Million) and India (1,150 Million). It accounts for 1.5% of the global total in 2024.

Full series

Philippines 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.

Philippines Mobile Cellular Subscriptions, 2015–2024, Million.
YearMillionChange vs prior year
2024 133.6 −0.9%
2023 134.7 −19.8%
2022Peak 168 +2.9%
2021 163.4 +9.2%
2020 149.6 −10.6%
2019 167.3 +24.3%
2018 134.6 +12.2%
2017 120 −0.1%
2016 120.1 +1.9%
2015 Trough117.8 —

Regional context

How Philippines compares in East Asia & Pacific

Mobile Cellular Subscriptions by country, 2024, Million. Philippines 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).

Growth is driven by increasing smartphone adoption and strong demand for mobile internet services. The telecom sector continues to expand infrastructure and improve service quality. Overall, the dataset highlights the Philippines as a high-growth telecom market with strong digital adoption and ongoing development. This remarkable surge in connectivity is a powerful testament to a nation that is quickly overcoming infrastructure challenges to join the global digital elite. The data reveals a society that is hyper-connected and deeply engaged with the digital world, despite the inherent volatility of a developing market. The Philippines’ commitment to building a robust telecommunications network is evident in the sustained growth of its subscription base. The dataset provides an inspiring look at a market that is leading the way in digital transformation in Southeast Asia. The Philippines stands as a high-growth hub, maintaining its status as a regional leader in mobile connectivity and digital service adoption. The data underscores a nation that is perfectly positioned to drive the future of the regional digital economy. With a young and tech-savvy population, the Philippines is poised to become a major force in the global telecommunications landscape. The dataset captures a nation in the midst of a historic awakening, proving that through strategic investment and bold technological adoption, a market can achieve legendary status in record time.

Indicator
Mobile Cellular Subscriptions
Country
Philippines
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 Philippines 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 Philippines Mobile Cellular Subscriptions in 2024?

Philippines Mobile Cellular Subscriptions was 133.6 Million in 2024, down 0.9% on 2023.

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

Philippines Mobile Cellular Subscriptions moved from 117.8 Million in 2015 to 133.6 Million in 2024 (+13.3%), an average of +1.4% a year. The series high was 168 Million in 2022 and the low 117.8 Million in 2015.

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

The highest value was 168 Million in 2022 and the lowest was 117.8 Million in 2015.

Where does the Philippines 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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