Bhutan Mobile Subscriptions
Mobile cellular subscriptions per 100 people IT.CEL.SETS.P2
Bhutan's mobile subscriptions was 96.21 in 2025, ranked 142nd globally. This represents a 0.6% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Bhutan's mobile subscriptions stood at 96.21 in 2025, a rise of +0.58 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 96.21 by 2025. Bhutan ranked 142nd globally.
Bhutan’s mobile‑subscription penetration reached 96.21 per 100 inhabitants in 2025, placing the kingdom at rank 142 globally and just below peers such as the Republic of Congo (96.05) and Mauritania (95.69). After a recorded zero‑base in 2002, the market expanded rapidly, achieving an all‑time peak of 100.33 in 2021, the only year the nation surpassed full coverage. The 53‑year series shows a sustained upward trajectory, with the post‑2002 expansion reflecting broader South Asian diffusion of affordable handset technology and the rollout of 4G services. Despite the near‑universal level recorded in 2021, a modest decline to 96.21 in 2025 suggests a plateau as the market approaches saturation and marginal users disconnect or shift to alternative connectivity solutions. Continued rollout of 5G networks and targeted subsidies for rural households could reignite growth, but absent such interventions the penetration rate is likely to stabilize near the current high‑90s.
Data & projection
| Year | Mobile Subscriptions | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 96.10 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 96.21 | - | - |
| 2025 | 96.21 | +0.58 | #142 |
| 2023 | 95.63 | +0.50 | #124 |
| 2022 | 95.13 | −5.20 | #151 |
| 2021 | 100.33 | +3.56 | #135 |
| 2020 | 96.77 | +1.42 | #140 |
| 2019 | 95.35 | +2.75 | #137 |
| 2018 | 92.60 | −4.25 | #135 |
| 2017 | 96.86 | +3.47 | #130 |
| 2016 | 93.38 | +2.14 | #133 |
| 2015 | 91.24 | +6.05 | #139 |
| 2014 | 85.19 | +10.13 | #142 |
| 2013 | 75.05 | −3.14 | #148 |
| 2012 | 78.20 | +9.94 | #144 |
| 2011 | 68.26 | +12.06 | #149 |
| 2010 | 56.20 | +7.36 | #157 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Bhutan matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2007. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw mobile subscriptions improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Bhutan's mobile subscriptions was 96.21 in 2025. Ranked 142nd globally. This represents a 0.6% increase from the previous year.
Bhutan's mobile subscriptions peaked at 100.33 in 2021.
The lowest mobile subscriptions in Bhutan was 0.00 in 1960.
Bhutan ranks 142nd globally in mobile subscriptions as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is IT.CEL.SETS.P2. Data sourced from World Bank.
Bhutan's mobile subscriptions is projected to reach 96.21 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The mobile subscriptions of Bhutan in 2025 was 96.21. This ranks 142nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_bhutan_mobile-subscriptions,
title = {Bhutan Mobile Subscriptions},
url = {https://historysaid.com/bhutan/mobile-subscriptions/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}