Malaysia Mobile Subscriptions
Mobile cellular subscriptions per 100 people IT.CEL.SETS.P2
Malaysia's mobile subscriptions was 147.37 in 2025, ranked 37th globally. This represents a 3.2% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Malaysia's mobile subscriptions stood at 147.37 in 2025, a rise of +4.63 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 147.37 by 2025. Malaysia ranked 37th globally.
Malaysia’s mobile‑subscription density reached 147.37 per 100 people in 2025, placing the country 37th globally and matching its all‑time peak for the 52‑year series that began in 1960 when subscriptions were recorded at 0.00. The dramatic rise from a zero base, with the trough still recorded in 1984, reflects the rapid diffusion of cellular technology across the nation’s urban and rural markets. Compared with peers of similar rank, Malaysia trails Eswatini’s 149.44 and is marginally above Moldova’s 146.93, underscoring a competitive position among emerging and developed economies alike. The sustained upward trajectory suggests that continued investment in 5G infrastructure and affordable data plans could push the subscription rate beyond the current ceiling, while any slowdown in network rollout or price inflation might temper future growth.
Data & projection
| Year | Mobile Subscriptions | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 150.16 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 147.37 | - | - |
| 2025 | 147.37 | +4.63 | #37 |
| 2023 | 142.73 | +4.52 | #32 |
| 2022 | 138.21 | +0.52 | #41 |
| 2021 | 137.69 | +8.67 | #35 |
| 2020 | 129.02 | −4.35 | #54 |
| 2019 | 133.37 | +4.50 | #40 |
| 2018 | 128.87 | −1.98 | #49 |
| 2017 | 130.85 | −5.87 | #43 |
| 2016 | 136.73 | −4.49 | #35 |
| 2015 | 141.21 | −5.16 | #37 |
| 2014 | 146.37 | +3.84 | #27 |
| 2013 | 142.52 | +3.21 | #34 |
| 2012 | 139.32 | +13.60 | #35 |
| 2011 | 125.72 | +7.56 | #46 |
| 2010 | 118.16 | +10.98 | #51 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Malaysia 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
Malaysia's mobile subscriptions was 147.37 in 2025. Ranked 37th globally. This represents a 3.2% increase from the previous year.
Malaysia's mobile subscriptions peaked at 147.37 in 2025.
The lowest mobile subscriptions in Malaysia was 0.00 in 1960.
Malaysia ranks 37th globally in mobile subscriptions as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is IT.CEL.SETS.P2. Data sourced from World Bank.
Malaysia's mobile subscriptions is projected to reach 147.37 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The mobile subscriptions of Malaysia in 2025 was 147.37. This ranks 37th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_malaysia_mobile-subscriptions,
title = {Malaysia Mobile Subscriptions},
url = {https://historysaid.com/malaysia/mobile-subscriptions/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}