Higher over the period
South Asia Mobile Cellular Subscriptions moved from 1,331 Million in 2015 to 1,401 Million in 2024 (+5.3%), an average of +0.6% a year. The series high was 1,585 Million in 2018 and the low 1,331 Million in 2015.
What South Asia Mobile Cellular Subscriptions shows
South Asia Mobile Cellular Subscriptions was 1,401 Million in 2024, down 1.3% on 2023. South Asia’s mobile cellular subscriptions from 2015 to 2024 highlight one of the world’s largest telecommunications markets, driven by high population density, expanding connectivity, and affordable mobile services. The region experienced strong growth during the early years, followed by market stabilization as subscriber penetration matured and regulatory reforms reshaped the industry.
A 16% peak-to-trough swing
The gap between the series high (2018) and low (2015) is 253.9 Million. The sharpest single-year move was +11.3% in 2016.
India leads the region
Within South Asia, India has the highest value in 2024 at 1,151 Million, 82.2% of the regional total.
Country ranking
Mobile Cellular Subscriptions by country, 2024
Million. Sort by any column, or search for a country.
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| Rank↕ | Country↕ | Share of top | Million↕ | vs 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | India | 1,151 | −0.6% |
By region
Mobile Cellular Subscriptions by region
Million, 2024. Each bar is that region's total.
Full series
South Asia 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.
| Year | Million | Change vs prior year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1,401 | −1.3% |
| 2023 | 1,419 | +1.3% |
| 2022 | 1,401 | −0.6% |
| 2021 | 1,409 | +0.7% |
| 2020 | 1,399 | −11.1% |
| 2019 | 1,574 | −0.7% |
| 2018Peak | 1,585 | +2% |
| 2017 | 1,554 | +4.9% |
| 2016 | 1,481 | +11.3% |
| 2015 Trough | 1,331 | — |
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).
India remained the dominant contributor, accounting for more than 80% of regional subscriptions. Mobile subscriptions increased from 1,001.06 million in 2015 to a peak of 1,176.02 million in 2018, supported by network expansion, intense competition, and the transition to 4G services. Growth moderated thereafter, with subscriptions reaching 1,151.36 million in 2024, reflecting a mature market increasingly focused on data consumption and 5G deployment rather than new subscriber additions.
At the regional level, total subscriptions rose from 1,330.90 million in 2015 to 1,584.80 million in 2018. A notable adjustment occurred in 2020 when subscriptions declined to 1,399.00 million, largely due to stricter subscriber verification requirements and the removal of inactive SIM cards across several countries. Following this correction, regional subscriptions stabilized, reaching 1,401.00 million in 2024.
The dataset highlights the scale and importance of South Asia’s mobile ecosystem, supported by some of the world’s lowest mobile tariffs and growing digital adoption. While subscriber growth has slowed, increasing mobile internet usage, digital services, and next-generation network investments continue to strengthen the sector.
Overall, the data reflects a mature but highly significant telecommunications market characterized by large subscriber volumes, expanding digital connectivity, and a strong foundation for future growth in mobile data services and digital transformation across the region.
- Indicator
- Mobile Cellular Subscriptions
- Region
- South 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 South Asia 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 South Asia Mobile Cellular Subscriptions in 2024?
South Asia Mobile Cellular Subscriptions was 1,401 Million in 2024, down 1.3% on 2023.
How has South Asia Mobile Cellular Subscriptions changed between 2015 and 2024?
South Asia Mobile Cellular Subscriptions moved from 1,331 Million in 2015 to 1,401 Million in 2024 (+5.3%), an average of +0.6% a year. The series high was 1,585 Million in 2018 and the low 1,331 Million in 2015.
Which year had the highest and lowest South Asia Mobile Cellular Subscriptions?
The highest value was 1,585 Million in 2018 and the lowest was 1,331 Million in 2015.
Where does the South Asia 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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