Global mobile data consumption is skyrocketing, with forecasts indicating a remarkable surge to 42 gigabytes per month per smartphone by 2027—an astonishing 16-fold increase compared to 2017. This exponential growth aligns with the escalating number of internet users globally, particularly in middle-income countries. Notably, between 2018 and 2022, India witnessed a staggering 170% rise in internet users alone.
Utilizing data from the World Bank’s Digital Progress and Trends Report, we’ve created a graphic showcasing the top countries leading in mobile data usage across the globe.
Ranking Country Monthly Mobile Data Usage per Capita (Gigabytes, GB)
1 🇨🇼 Curaçao 131.3
2 🇰🇼 Kuwait 83.9
3 🇸🇷 Suriname 72.7
4 🇫🇮 Finland 59.1
5 🇱🇻 Latvia 52.7
6 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia 44.2
7 🇪🇪 Estonia 42.4
8 🇧🇭 Bahrain 41.6
9 🇦🇹 Austria 35.1
10 🇱🇹 Lithuania 32.1
The Caribbean island nation of Curaçao secures the top spot, boasting an astounding 131.3 gigabytes of monthly mobile data usage per capita. With a population of just 193,000, Curaçao’s exceptional performance can be attributed to several factors, including a substantial influx of over one million tourist arrivals in 2022, competitive mobile data plans, and a limited penetration of fixed-line telecommunication systems and broadband internet.
For instance, in 2021, while only 28 out of 100 people utilized fixed-line networks, a striking 88 out of 100 people relied on cellular-mobile services. Additionally, Curaçao boasts some of the Caribbean’s fastest and most reliable internet connections, owing to its concentration of data centers and fiber optic cable infrastructure.
Following closely in second place is Kuwait, renowned for its abundant oil reserves. In recent years, Kuwait’s telecommunications sector has witnessed significant advancements, with 5G networks now covering approximately 97% of the population. Furthermore, the Kuwaiti government has made substantial investments in mobile platforms, facilitating services such as settling traffic fines and scheduling court dates through mobile apps.
Echoing Kuwait’s success, other Middle Eastern nations like Saudi Arabia and Bahrain also feature prominently on the list.
Europe’s leading contender in mobile data usage is Finland, recognized for its cutting-edge telecommunications infrastructure. In fact, Finland spearheaded the world’s first 6G test network, underscoring its status as a trailblazer in communications networks and digital technologies. Moreover, many companies choose Finland as a testing ground for new products and services before global rollout.
Joining Finland from Europe are Latvia, Estonia, Austria, and Lithuania, showcasing the continent’s strong presence in mobile data consumption.
By contrast, the United States ranks at #34 in monthly mobile data consumption, with 13.4 gigabytes per capita. One contributing factor to this relatively lower usage may be the comparatively high cost of mobile data in the U.S. For instance, in 2023, the average cost of one gigabyte of data in America was $6.00—a significant increase from $0.20 in France or $3.48 in Japan.
In conclusion, the top countries in mobile data usage exhibit a diverse range of factors contributing to their exceptional performance, from advanced telecommunications infrastructure to government investments in mobile technologies. As global data consumption continues to surge, understanding these trends becomes increasingly crucial for shaping future policies and innovations in the telecommunications sector.
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