Lao PDR Mobile Subscriptions
Mobile cellular subscriptions per 100 people IT.CEL.SETS.P2
Lao PDR's mobile subscriptions was 64.65 in 2025, ranked 186th globally. This represents a 0.2% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Lao PDR's mobile subscriptions stood at 64.65 in 2025, a decline of +0.11 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 64.65 by 2025. Lao PDR ranked 186th globally.
Mobile subscriptions in Lao PDR have risen from zero in 1960 to 64.65 per 100 people in 2025, ranking 186th globally. The sector’s most rapid expansion occurred after the all‑time trough of 0.00 in 1991, culminating in a peak of 85.28 in 2011 before a modest decline to the current level. Over the 53‑year coverage period, Lao PDR’s penetration remains close to that of Jordan (64.75) and Dominica (64.39), reflecting a convergence with middle‑income peers despite the country’s lower per‑capita income. The post‑1990s surge aligns with liberalisation of the telecommunications market and the rollout of 3G/4G networks, yet the fall from the 2011 high suggests saturation constraints, limited rural rollout, or affordability challenges. If policy reforms foster broader network expansion and price reductions, the upward trajectory could resume, potentially pushing the subscription rate above the regional average in the coming decade.
Data & projection
| Year | Mobile Subscriptions | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 64.81 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 64.65 | - | - |
| 2025 | 64.65 | −0.11 | #186 |
| 2023 | 64.76 | +1.40 | #150 |
| 2022 | 63.35 | −1.36 | #186 |
| 2021 | 64.71 | +1.60 | #180 |
| 2020 | 63.11 | −0.95 | #181 |
| 2019 | 64.07 | +12.69 | #180 |
| 2018 | 51.38 | −1.51 | #175 |
| 2017 | 52.89 | −4.41 | #181 |
| 2016 | 57.30 | +2.50 | #181 |
| 2015 | 54.80 | −14.10 | #185 |
| 2014 | 68.90 | −0.87 | #166 |
| 2013 | 69.77 | +3.81 | #158 |
| 2012 | 65.96 | −19.32 | #159 |
| 2011 | 85.28 | +22.08 | #121 |
| 2010 | 63.20 | +11.38 | #147 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Lao PDR matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2023. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw mobile subscriptions improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Lao PDR's mobile subscriptions was 64.65 in 2025. Ranked 186th globally. This represents a 0.2% decrease from the previous year.
Lao PDR's mobile subscriptions peaked at 85.28 in 2011.
The lowest mobile subscriptions in Lao PDR was 0.00 in 1960.
Lao PDR ranks 186th globally in mobile subscriptions as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is IT.CEL.SETS.P2. Data sourced from World Bank.
Lao PDR's mobile subscriptions is projected to reach 64.65 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The mobile subscriptions of Lao PDR in 2025 was 64.65. This ranks 186th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_lao-pdr_mobile-subscriptions,
title = {Lao PDR Mobile Subscriptions},
url = {https://historysaid.com/lao-pdr/mobile-subscriptions/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}