United Kingdom Mobile Subscriptions
Mobile cellular subscriptions per 100 people IT.CEL.SETS.P2
United Kingdom's mobile subscriptions was 122.66 in 2025, ranked 87th globally. This represents a 0.1% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
United Kingdom's mobile subscriptions stood at 122.66 in 2025, a decline of +0.13 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 122.66 by 2025. United Kingdom ranked 87th globally.
Mobile subscriptions in the United Kingdom have risen from zero in 1960 to 122.66 per 100 inhabitants in 2025, placing the country 87th in the World Bank ranking and closely trailing New Zealand’s 122.45 and Bosnia and Herzegovina’s 123.45. The trajectory accelerated after the all‑time trough of 0.00 in 1984, reflecting the diffusion of cellular technology in the late‑1980s and early‑1990s, and peaked at 122.80 in 2023 before a modest decline to the 2025 figure. Over the 53‑year coverage period, the United Kingdom’s subscription density exceeds the global average, indicating near‑universal mobile access and a mature telecommunications market. The slight dip from the 2023 peak suggests market saturation, yet the continued upward pressure from 5G rollout and the proliferation of connected devices is likely to sustain incremental growth, keeping the United Kingdom near the top of the global ranking in the coming years.
Data & projection
| Year | Mobile Subscriptions | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 123.42 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 122.66 | - | - |
| 2025 | 122.66 | −0.13 | #87 |
| 2023 | 122.80 | +2.96 | #75 |
| 2022 | 119.83 | +1.95 | #88 |
| 2021 | 117.89 | +0.58 | #89 |
| 2020 | 117.31 | −2.94 | #88 |
| 2019 | 120.25 | +2.07 | #82 |
| 2018 | 118.18 | −1.02 | #77 |
| 2017 | 119.21 | −0.58 | #81 |
| 2016 | 119.79 | −1.43 | #72 |
| 2015 | 121.21 | +0.25 | #72 |
| 2014 | 120.96 | −1.23 | #64 |
| 2013 | 122.19 | −0.28 | #67 |
| 2012 | 122.47 | +0.97 | #59 |
| 2011 | 121.50 | −0.28 | #53 |
| 2010 | 121.78 | −0.58 | #46 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
United Kingdom matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 1985. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw mobile subscriptions improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
United Kingdom's mobile subscriptions was 122.66 in 2025. Ranked 87th globally. This represents a 0.1% decrease from the previous year.
United Kingdom's mobile subscriptions peaked at 122.80 in 2023.
The lowest mobile subscriptions in United Kingdom was 0.00 in 1960.
United Kingdom ranks 87th globally in mobile subscriptions as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is IT.CEL.SETS.P2. Data sourced from World Bank.
United Kingdom's mobile subscriptions is projected to reach 122.66 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The mobile subscriptions of United Kingdom in 2025 was 122.66. This ranks 87th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_united-kingdom_mobile-subscriptions,
title = {United Kingdom Mobile Subscriptions},
url = {https://historysaid.com/united-kingdom/mobile-subscriptions/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}