Macao SAR, China Mobile Subscriptions
Mobile cellular subscriptions per 100 people IT.CEL.SETS.P2
Macao SAR, China's mobile subscriptions was 35.31 in 2025, ranked 201st globally. This represents a 81.7% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Macao SAR, China's mobile subscriptions stood at 35.31 in 2025, a decline of +157.16 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 35.31 by 2025. Macao SAR, China ranked 201st globally.
Macao SAR’s mobile‑subscription density rose from zero in 1960 to a peak of 416.26 subscriptions per 100 people in 2019, reflecting rapid diffusion of wireless technology during the late‑1990s and 2000s. After the all‑time trough of 0.00 in 1988, the market expanded dramatically, reaching 35.31 subscriptions per 100 inhabitants in 2025, ranking 201st globally. This level is comparable to Kosovo’s 35.21 and Papua New Guinea’s 35.06, indicating that despite its small population, Macao’s penetration remains modest relative to many advanced economies. The steep ascent after 1988 aligns with broader regional trends in East Asia, where liberalisation of telecommunications and rising disposable incomes spurred mass adoption. However, the post‑peak decline from 416.26 to 35.31 suggests a redefinition of “subscription” metrics, possibly due to the shift from multiple SIM ownership to single‑device usage. Continued rollout of 5G infrastructure and integration of Internet‑of‑Things services could revive growth, pushing the subscription density upward in the coming years.
Data & projection
| Year | Mobile Subscriptions | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | -15.95 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 35.31 | - | - |
| 2025 | 35.31 | −157.16 | #201 |
| 2023 | 192.48 | +20.23 | #4 |
| 2022 | 172.25 | −11.33 | #11 |
| 2021 | 183.58 | −53.77 | #6 |
| 2020 | 237.34 | −178.92 | #2 |
| 2019 | 416.26 | +85.16 | #1 |
| 2018 | 331.10 | +14.50 | #1 |
| 2017 | 316.60 | +6.03 | #1 |
| 2016 | 310.57 | +5.82 | #1 |
| 2015 | 304.75 | +0.57 | #1 |
| 2014 | 304.19 | +16.54 | #1 |
| 2013 | 287.64 | +12.99 | #1 |
| 2012 | 274.66 | +39.58 | #1 |
| 2011 | 235.08 | +35.67 | #1 |
| 2010 | 199.41 | +10.61 | #2 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Macao SAR, China matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2011. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw mobile subscriptions improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Macao SAR, China's mobile subscriptions was 35.31 in 2025. Ranked 201st globally. This represents a 81.7% decrease from the previous year.
Macao SAR, China's mobile subscriptions peaked at 416.26 in 2019.
The lowest mobile subscriptions in Macao SAR, China was 0.00 in 1960.
Macao SAR, China ranks 201st globally in mobile subscriptions as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is IT.CEL.SETS.P2. Data sourced from World Bank.
Macao SAR, China's mobile subscriptions is projected to reach 35.31 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The mobile subscriptions of Macao SAR, China in 2025 was 35.31. This ranks 201st in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_macao-sar-china_mobile-subscriptions,
title = {Macao SAR, China Mobile Subscriptions},
url = {https://historysaid.com/macao-sar-china/mobile-subscriptions/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}