The global mobile data market size was valued at USD 640.56 billion in 2023. It is expected to reach USD 1,156.02 billion in 2032, growing at a CAGR of 6.78% over the forecast period (2024-32). Growing consumer demand for mobile internet services, including browsing, social media, streaming media (video and music), and online gaming, fuels the consumption of mobile data. Users rely on mobile networks for connectivity and access to digital content.
Mobile phones are transforming into multi-function computers with increased processing power and display capabilities, and they are becoming an integral part of people's daily lives. In today's world, digital lifestyle devices are increasingly dependent on the Internet for optimal performance, establishing the Internet as the backbone of a communication system. In addition, mobile data consumption has skyrocketed due to the expansion of available bandwidth, the rise of social media and OTT streaming platforms, and the introduction of cutting-edge technologies like 4G/LTE.
The market is expanding due to rising investments in the deployment of 5G infrastructure, rising demand for internet services in both developed and emerging nations, and continual consumer shifts toward smartphones and next-generation technology. Over the past few decades, the worldwide communication business has been one of the most critical sectors for continuing technical advancements. An increasing number of mobile users, the requirement for high-speed data access, and the desire for value-added telecommunications services have all fueled the market's expansion. The delivery of mobile Internet and data transfer services is being impacted significantly by the convergence of the Internet, mobile enterprises, and network operators.
Due to the expanding use of broadband in the global communication industry, the market for mobile data continues to expand at a consistent rate. As the global digitalisation trend continues, governments, businesses, and individuals rely more and more on high-speed, uninterrupted internet connections for education, information, contact centre services, and entertainment. The mobile data market is also anticipated to be driven by the expansion of research and development activities. Growth of open-source platforms, smartphone display and sound quality, and ultra-fast Internet Protocol (IP) networks, among other services, are acting as primary factors to attract more customers to the 'freemium-based' business model of OTT providers, thereby resulting in an ever-increasing adoption rate and robust market growth.
The pandemic of COVID-19 has accelerated the globalization of businesses and cultures. Despite the economic downturn in 2020, mobile internet usage will continue to grow. According to GSMA Intelligence, 28 per cent of Sub-Saharan Africans will have a stable Internet connection by the end of 2020, continuing the upward trend that began in 2014. As the world struggles with the effects of the COVID-19 epidemic, digital entertainment platforms and global telecom service providers have profited from the current situation as a result of evolving business strategies and consumer preferences.
In the form of mobile data, users store their sensitive data and business-related information. However, managing and storing the documents presents a number of potential liabilities and vulnerabilities. Security concerns regarding data breaches, unanticipated emergencies, application vulnerabilities, and the loss of data are growing in tandem with the increasing popularity. Some industries, such as academia & research, federal government departments, and financial services, may experience a decline in revenue due to information security and privacy concerns. This can wreak havoc on a company's reputation, eroding the confidence of its leaders. In turn, this may lead to criminal penalties and even legal liability. Often, sensitive information and data are stored in databases and the cloud, allowing cybercriminals to subvert valuable company information and engage in illegal transactions. Consequently, security and privacy risks are anticipated to impede market expansion over the forecast period.
The remote work culture is likely to increase the demand for data services and network infrastructure. Similarly, the temporary closure of multiplexes and other outdoor entertainment venues due to stringent social distancing has increased the use of various digital platforms, such as social networking, gaming, and over-the-top (OTT) applications. Mobile voice traffic has also increased during this time, with major communication companies reporting massive increases in voice traffic since the start of the epidemic.
Mobile Data Protection is a technology that uses data encryption on the primary storage system of a workstation in different data storage platforms, such as solid-state discs, removable media, and hard drives used in integration with cellphones and workstations, to apply data privacy principles. It consists of an active endpoint agent for the target device, an offline/stand-alone agent for removable media, and a central console. Mobile Data Protection protects data on portable storage devices, including cellphones, laptops, and removable media. Additionally, it offers uniform protection guidelines for many platforms.
| Study Period | 2020-2032 | CAGR | 6.78% |
| Historical Period | 2020-2022 | Forecast Period | 2024-2032 |
| Base Year | 2023 | Base Year Market Size | USD 640.56 Billion |
| Forecast Year | 2032 | Forecast Year Market Size | USD 1,156.02 Billion |
| Largest Market | Asia Pacific | Fastest Growing Market | North America |
The Asia-Pacific region dominated the mobile data market in 2021, capturing the largest revenue share of approximately 35%, and is anticipated to experience rapid expansion in the near future. The regional market for mobile data is primarily driven by the increasing number of smartphone users, the continuously expanding retail and e-commerce industries, and investments in 5G infrastructure. China, Japan, and India have also made significant contributions to the mobile data market. In addition, escalating government initiatives on digital integration via Information ICT are anticipated to drive market growth.
In 2021, mobile data held a significant revenue share in the North American market. Accelerating technological advancements, the presence of the world's leading telecom corporations attempting to maximise network investments and enhance customer experience, and the escalation of network cyberattacks in this region all contribute to the growth of the North American market. In addition, the expanding use of smartphones and tablets in the United States is anticipated to encourage the BYOD policy. Increased device penetration, coupled with a strong network connection throughout the region, is anticipated to encourage businesses to adopt BYOD policies, thereby accelerating the expansion of the mobile data market.
Two of the critical elements projected to support the expansion of mobile data in this region are the existence of highly developed and economically strong nations like Germany, France, and the UK and a significant concentration of some of the largest corporations in the world. Another element anticipated to impact how mobile data is adopted in Europe is the expansion of smart cities in the region. Up to the middle of 2018, 78 cities in Europe developed smart cities with the help of the European Innovation Partnership for Smart Cities and Communities (EIP SCC). The expansion of the retail industry is anticipated to have a beneficial impact on the uptake of mobile data. Another important industry in Europe is healthcare.
We can customize every report - free of charge - including purchasing stand-alone sections or country-level reports
This market can be segmented on the basis of transmission, end-users, regions and competitors. On the basis of transmission in 2021, the wireless segment dominated the mobile data market and accounted for over 75% of the market's revenue. From 2022 to 2028, the segment is anticipated to expand at a substantial CAGR. The segment's growth is primarily attributable to the increasing use of internet and mobile data services for residential and commercial applications. A developing 5G wave would serve as a dividing line between wireless and wireline networks, combining the communication modes into a single end-to-end system across public, residential, and commercial locations. Parallel to 5G's wireless infrastructure, wireline infrastructure is crucial for enhancing mobile user quality and network speed. The rapid progression of mobile wireless services from 3G to 4G and now the nascent 5G technology has increased the demand and utilization of wireless mobile data services.
In 2021, the wireline mobile data services segment captured a significant share of the mobile data market's revenue. The ability of wireline services to deliver higher quality network signals directly from the operator's equipment to a company, business, or residence has contributed to the expansion. In recent years, wireline networks have gained popularity due to their ability to increase capacity in response to shifting business demands without necessitating the installation of new networks.
On the basis of end-users in 2021, the consumer/residential segment dominated the mobile data market and accounted for over 60 per cent of the market's revenue. The market's dominance is anticipated to persist throughout the forecast period. The segment's rapid expansion can be attributed to the global proliferation of smartphones. In addition, the rising demand for OTT applications is prompting customers to consider wireless internet subscriptions, thereby contributing significantly to the expansion of communication networks. Over the forecast period, the increasing popularity of ultra-high-definition movies and online gaming is likely to drive market expansion.
In 2021, the business segment captured a substantial revenue share of the mobile data market. In order to manage their network infrastructure and business operations, the majority of businesses require a quick and dependable Internet connection. The demand for broadband services influences nearly every aspect of contemporary business models, including marketing and sales, customer interaction, and profit analysis. In addition, the digital channelization of most business models has increased the use of broadband services across all industry verticals in tandem with the global digital revolution.
