Costa Rica Mobile Subscriptions
Mobile cellular subscriptions per 100 people IT.CEL.SETS.P2
Costa Rica's mobile subscriptions was 152.18 in 2025, ranked 33rd globally. This represents a 4.4% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Costa Rica's mobile subscriptions stood at 152.18 in 2025, a rise of +6.39 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 152.18 by 2025. Costa Rica ranked 33rd globally.
Costa Rica’s mobile‑subscription density has risen from zero in 1960 to 152.18 per 100 inhabitants in 2025, placing the country 33rd worldwide. The rapid expansion accelerated after the early 1990s, reaching an all‑time peak of 179.93 in 2017, before a modest decline to the current level. This trajectory mirrors the experience of other high‑penetration economies; for example, Estonia records 154.11 subscriptions per 100 people, while Luxembourg stands at 149.94. The 53‑year coverage span reflects sustained investment in telecommunications infrastructure and the liberalisation of the sector in the late 1990s, which broadened access beyond urban centres. Although the post‑peak dip suggests market saturation, continued rollout of 5G networks and the integration of mobile services into public health and education could revive growth. Future advances in affordable device pricing and expanded rural coverage are likely to shape the next phase of Costa Rica’s mobile market.
Data & projection
| Year | Mobile Subscriptions | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 152.67 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 152.18 | - | - |
| 2025 | 152.18 | +6.39 | #33 |
| 2023 | 145.79 | −9.20 | #30 |
| 2022 | 154.99 | +0.16 | #22 |
| 2021 | 154.83 | +5.61 | #15 |
| 2020 | 149.22 | +3.01 | #16 |
| 2019 | 146.21 | −25.15 | #21 |
| 2018 | 171.36 | −8.57 | #7 |
| 2017 | 179.93 | +8.77 | #6 |
| 2016 | 171.17 | +14.76 | #8 |
| 2015 | 156.40 | +9.14 | #13 |
| 2014 | 147.27 | −3.53 | #26 |
| 2013 | 150.80 | +35.49 | #25 |
| 2012 | 115.31 | +25.22 | #77 |
| 2011 | 90.09 | +21.43 | #115 |
| 2010 | 68.67 | +25.32 | #141 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Costa Rica matched the Orthodox Tightening Cycle pattern in 1995. Historically, 57% of countries showing this pattern (177 out of 311) saw mobile subscriptions improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Costa Rica's mobile subscriptions was 152.18 in 2025. Ranked 33rd globally. This represents a 4.4% increase from the previous year.
Costa Rica's mobile subscriptions peaked at 179.93 in 2017.
The lowest mobile subscriptions in Costa Rica was 0.00 in 1960.
Costa Rica ranks 33rd globally in mobile subscriptions as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is IT.CEL.SETS.P2. Data sourced from World Bank.
Costa Rica's mobile subscriptions is projected to reach 152.18 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The mobile subscriptions of Costa Rica in 2025 was 152.18. This ranks 33rd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_costa-rica_mobile-subscriptions,
title = {Costa Rica Mobile Subscriptions},
url = {https://historysaid.com/costa-rica/mobile-subscriptions/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}