The number of internet users globally grew tremendously due to digital transformation through new technologies. The affordability of smartphones and the roll-out of 5G-enabled mobile devices increased the demand for mobile internet connections. The demand from the residential segment also grew over the years, and with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the demand soared. Online businesses remain the major contributors to such growth, with small and large businesses adopting the digital medium to achieve growth and increase customer reach. Businesses recovered to some extent in 2021 with the gradual decrease in COVID-19 cases globally, which led to an increase in the use of the internet by the business segment.
The global internet subscriber base grew 9% in 2021, reaching 6,388 million users. The subscriber base in the fixed-line and mobile internet segments grew 9% and 10%, respectively, in 2021. Moreover, most countries reported an increase in the number of internet users and the overall internet penetration in the countries improved, aided by greater digital literacy among users. The following are the top three countries with the highest penetration in the fixed internet segment:
Hong Kong in Asia-Pacific has the highest internet penetration with 49% in the fixed internet segment. Switzerland in Europe has the second-highest internet penetration in terms of fixed-line with 48%.
The fixed-line internet growth in Hong Kong was propelled by the improvement in digital infrastructure in the country as companies strive to enhance the users’ experience by providing quality services. The major companies in Hong Kong include Hong Kong Broadband Network and China Unicorn Hong Kong. Moreover, 5G services have been launched in Hong Kong. France in Europe followed with a fixed internet penetration of 47% in 2021. The rapid increase in the number of smartphone users in the region, coupled with the ease of availability of the internet, aided growth in the subscriber base. Germany and Norway follow with an internet penetration of 46% each as of 2021. The major companies that have strong dominance in the German internet market include Deutsche Telecom and Vodafone. The major companies in Norway include Monon Communications and Light Stream.
United States of America
United States of America
United States of America
United States of America
United States of America
Germany
China
United States of America
China
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