The number of global internet users registered tremendous growth due to digital transformation through new technologies. The affordability of smartphones and the roll-out of 5G-enabled mobile devices boosted 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 factors for this 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 internet by the business segment.
The global internet subscriber base grew 9% in 2021, reaching 6,388 million users. The subscriber base in fixed-line and mobile internet connections grew 9% and 10%, respectively, in 2021.
In 2021, Asia-Pacific accounted for 55% of the global internet subscriber base, followed by the Middle East and Africa, and Europe with 16% and 14%, respectively. South America and North America accounted for 8% and 7%, respectively.
China continues to dominate the internet market with a share of 24% of the global internet subscriber base due to its significant presence in the smartphone market owing to its low-cost manufacturing capability. India ranks second, accounting for 11% of the global subscriber base, which grew mainly on account of higher consumption of the internet with the roll-out of 4G services coupled with growth in smartphone users. The US remains the third-largest consumer of the internet with a 6% share.
United States of America
United States of America
United States of America
Germany
United States of America
Japan
United States of America
China
United States of America
Hong Kong
Don’t wait - discover a universe of connected data & insights with your next search. Browse over 28M data points across 22 industries.
Access more premium companies when you subscribe to Explorer