Iran, Islamic Republic of Mobile Subscriptions
Mobile cellular subscriptions per 100 people IT.CEL.SETS.P2
Iran, Islamic Republic of's mobile subscriptions was 184.16 in 2025, ranked 11th globally. This represents a 10.8% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Iran, Islamic Republic of's mobile subscriptions stood at 184.16 in 2025, a rise of +17.88 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 184.16 by 2025. Iran, Islamic Republic of ranked 11th globally.
Iran’s mobile‑phone subscriptions have risen from zero in 1960 to an all‑time peak of 184.16 per 100 people in 2025, placing the country 11th globally (World Bank). The trajectory accelerated after the early‑1990s trough, when subscriptions were still recorded at 0.00, and has sustained a rapid expansion over the past three decades, outpacing many regional peers. By comparison, the Russian Federation reported 184.93 subscriptions per 100 inhabitants and the United Arab Emirates 189.75, indicating that Iran’s market is now virtually on par with the most saturated economies. The 53‑year coverage period reflects a structural shift toward digital connectivity, driven by liberalisation of the telecommunications sector and declining handset costs. Continued investment in 5G infrastructure and regulatory reforms could further elevate subscription rates, potentially moving Iran into the top five globally if current growth patterns persist.
Data & projection
| Year | Mobile Subscriptions | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 192.02 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 184.16 | - | - |
| 2025 | 184.16 | +17.88 | #11 |
| 2023 | 166.28 | +3.57 | #16 |
| 2022 | 162.71 | +9.09 | #17 |
| 2021 | 153.63 | +8.14 | #17 |
| 2020 | 145.49 | +9.86 | #21 |
| 2019 | 135.62 | +32.60 | #34 |
| 2018 | 103.02 | +0.65 | #114 |
| 2017 | 102.38 | +6.30 | #118 |
| 2016 | 96.07 | +6.24 | #131 |
| 2015 | 89.83 | +5.31 | #141 |
| 2014 | 84.53 | +3.39 | #143 |
| 2013 | 81.14 | +7.86 | #142 |
| 2012 | 73.27 | +1.77 | #151 |
| 2011 | 71.50 | +1.68 | #142 |
| 2010 | 69.82 | +1.08 | #138 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Iran, Islamic Republic of matched the Stagflation Risk pattern in 2019. Historically, 38% of countries showing this pattern (117 out of 307) saw mobile subscriptions improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Iran, Islamic Republic of's mobile subscriptions was 184.16 in 2025. Ranked 11th globally. This represents a 10.8% increase from the previous year.
Iran, Islamic Republic of's mobile subscriptions peaked at 184.16 in 2025.
The lowest mobile subscriptions in Iran, Islamic Republic of was 0.00 in 1960.
Iran, Islamic Republic of ranks 11th globally in mobile subscriptions as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is IT.CEL.SETS.P2. Data sourced from World Bank.
Iran, Islamic Republic of's mobile subscriptions is projected to reach 184.16 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The mobile subscriptions of Iran, Islamic Republic of in 2025 was 184.16. This ranks 11th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_iran-islamic-republic-of_mobile-subscriptions,
title = {Iran, Islamic Republic of Mobile Subscriptions},
url = {https://historysaid.com/iran-islamic-republic-of/mobile-subscriptions/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}