Afghanistan Mobile Subscriptions
Mobile cellular subscriptions per 100 people IT.CEL.SETS.P2
Afghanistan's mobile subscriptions was 53.25 in 2025, ranked 196th globally. This represents a 4.1% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Afghanistan's mobile subscriptions stood at 53.25 in 2025, a decline of +2.30 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 53.25 by 2025. Afghanistan ranked 196th globally.
Afghanistan's mobile subscriptions have experienced fluctuations over the past 53 years, with a notable all-time peak of 67.05 in 2017 and an all-time trough of 0.00 in 2001. The country's mobile subscription rate currently stands at 53.25, ranking it 196th globally. This is close to Samoa's rate of 53.43, indicating similarities in mobile adoption in these nations. Afghanistan's mobile subscription numbers have been steadily increasing since 2001, when the country's telecommunications infrastructure was severely damaged. The mobile penetration rate has improved significantly since then, with the latest value representing a notable achievement in the country's digital development. However, the current trajectory may be impacted by ongoing conflicts and economic instability, which could hinder further growth in mobile adoption. A lasting peace and improvements in infrastructure could potentially drive Afghanistan's mobile subscription numbers upward, propelling the country closer to regional peers.
Data & projection
| Year | Mobile Subscriptions | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 52.25 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 53.25 | - | - |
| 2025 | 53.25 | −2.30 | #196 |
| 2023 | 55.55 | −0.72 | #154 |
| 2022 | 56.27 | −0.43 | #192 |
| 2021 | 56.69 | −1.35 | #189 |
| 2020 | 58.05 | −1.60 | #186 |
| 2019 | 59.65 | −0.16 | #182 |
| 2018 | 59.81 | −7.24 | #172 |
| 2017 | 67.05 | +4.80 | #173 |
| 2016 | 62.26 | +4.00 | #175 |
| 2015 | 58.26 | +2.12 | #183 |
| 2014 | 56.13 | +2.98 | #181 |
| 2013 | 53.15 | +2.95 | #177 |
| 2012 | 50.20 | +3.18 | #181 |
| 2011 | 47.02 | +10.90 | #173 |
| 2010 | 36.12 | −2.11 | #179 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Afghanistan matched the Stagflation Risk pattern in 2022. Historically, 38% of countries showing this pattern (117 out of 307) saw mobile subscriptions improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Afghanistan's mobile subscriptions was 53.25 in 2025. Ranked 196th globally. This represents a 4.1% decrease from the previous year.
Afghanistan's mobile subscriptions peaked at 67.05 in 2017.
The lowest mobile subscriptions in Afghanistan was 0.00 in 1960.
Afghanistan ranks 196th globally in mobile subscriptions as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is IT.CEL.SETS.P2. Data sourced from World Bank.
Afghanistan's mobile subscriptions is projected to reach 53.25 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The mobile subscriptions of Afghanistan in 2025 was 53.25. This ranks 196th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_afghanistan_mobile-subscriptions,
title = {Afghanistan Mobile Subscriptions},
url = {https://historysaid.com/afghanistan/mobile-subscriptions/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}