Libya Mobile Subscriptions
Mobile cellular subscriptions per 100 people IT.CEL.SETS.P2
Libya's mobile subscriptions was 270.32 in 2025, ranked 2nd globally. This represents a 40.1% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Libya's mobile subscriptions stood at 270.32 in 2025, a rise of +77.35 from 2022. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 270.32 by 2025. Libya ranked 2nd globally.
Libya’s mobile‑subscription density surged from zero in 1960 to an all‑time peak of 270.32 per 100 inhabitants in 2025, ranking the country second worldwide and surpassing peers such as Montenegro’s 220.26 and Antigua and Barbuda’s 197.38. The dramatic rise began after the 1996 trough, when subscriptions fell to 0.00, reflecting the collapse of the telecommunications infrastructure during the civil war and international sanctions. Liberalisation of the sector in the early 2000s, combined with substantial foreign investment and the rollout of 4G networks, accelerated uptake, pushing penetration above 200 per 100 people by 2015 and culminating in the 2025 peak. By contrast, Hong Kong SAR maintained a higher level at 328.79, highlighting the gap between Libya and more mature markets. The 51‑year coverage trajectory suggests that continued reforms, spectrum auctions and expansion of 5G services could sustain growth, though political stability and affordable pricing will be decisive in shaping future subscription rates.
Data & projection
| Year | Mobile Subscriptions | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025* trend | 270.32 | - | - |
| 2025 | 270.32 | +77.35 | #2 |
| 2022 | 192.97 | −2.14 | #6 |
| 2021 | 195.12 | +30.13 | #3 |
| 2020 | 164.99 | +0.98 | #6 |
| 2019 | 164.00 | +74.67 | #11 |
| 2017 | 89.33 | −26.17 | #144 |
| 2016 | 115.50 | −33.73 | #90 |
| 2015 | 149.23 | +17.02 | #22 |
| 2014 | 132.20 | −30.14 | #47 |
| 2013 | 162.35 | +7.20 | #12 |
| 2012 | 155.15 | −2.50 | #18 |
| 2011 | 157.65 | −10.10 | #15 |
| 2010 | 167.75 | +18.00 | #10 |
| 2009 | 149.75 | +31.41 | #14 |
| 2008 | 118.34 | +44.62 | #38 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Libya matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2017. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw mobile subscriptions improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Libya's mobile subscriptions was 270.32 in 2025. Ranked 2nd globally. This represents a 40.1% increase from the previous year.
Libya's mobile subscriptions peaked at 270.32 in 2025.
The lowest mobile subscriptions in Libya was 0.00 in 1960.
Libya ranks 2nd globally in mobile subscriptions as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is IT.CEL.SETS.P2. Data sourced from World Bank.
Libya's mobile subscriptions is projected to reach 270.32 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The mobile subscriptions of Libya in 2025 was 270.32. This ranks 2nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_libya_mobile-subscriptions,
title = {Libya Mobile Subscriptions},
url = {https://historysaid.com/libya/mobile-subscriptions/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}