Mobile Data Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Transmission (Wireless, Wireline), By End-use (Consumer/Residential, Business), By Region (North America, Europe, APAC, CSA, MEA), And Segment Forecasts, 2022 - 2028

Report Overview

The global mobile data market size was valued at USD 565.6 billion in 2021 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth (CAGR) of 6.9% from 2022 to 2028. Rising spending on 5G infrastructure deployment, increasing demand for internet services among developed and developing economies, and constant consumer shift towards smartphone devices and next-generation technologies are factors driving the growth of the market. The global communication market has been one of the most crucial areas for continued technological developments over the previous few decades. The rising need for high-speed data connectivity, an expanding number of mobile users, and rising demand for value-added telecommunications services have further contributed to the growth of the market. The convergence of the internet, mobile businesses, and network carriers in delivering mobile internet and data transfer services are causing significant changes in the telecommunications sector.

Mobile phones are transforming into multi-function computers with increased processing power and display capabilities, and they are firmly entrenched in people's daily lives. In today's world, digital lifestyle gadgets are increasingly reliant on the Internet for optimal functionality, establishing the internet as a communication system's backbone. Additionally, mobile data consumption has risen drastically due to the increase in available bandwidth, rising uses of social media and OTT streaming platforms, and the latest technological advances such as 4G/LTE. 

The market for mobile data is continuing to grow at a steady rate, owing to the growing use of broadband in the worldwide communication industry. Governments, businesses, and individuals across the world are increasingly reliant on high-speed, seamless internet connections for education, information, contact center services, and entertainment as the global digitalization trend continues. Additionally, constantly growing research and development activities are anticipated to drive the market for mobile data. Growth of open-source platforms, smartphone display, and sound quality, and super-fast Internet Protocol (IP) networks, among other services are acting as primary factors to attract more customers to the OTT providers 'freemium-based' business model, thus resulting in an ever-increasing adoption rate and strong market growth.

The globalization of businesses and cultures has been expedited by the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, despite the economic downturn, mobile internet use continued to rise. According to GSMA Intelligence, by the end of 2020, 28% of Sub-Saharan Africans will have a stable internet connection, continuing the upward trend that began in 2014. Due to evolving business strategies and consumer preferences, digital entertainment platforms and global telecom service providers have benefited from the current circumstance as people around the world grapple with the consequences of the COVID-19 epidemic.

In the contextual environment of COVID-19, the remote working culture is likely to fuel the demand for data services and network infrastructure. Similarly, the temporary closure of multiplexes and other outdoor entertainment places as a result of stringent social distancing has increased the use of different digital platforms, including social networking, gaming, and over-the-top (OTT) apps. Mobile voice traffic has also increased during this time, with major communication companies reporting massive increases in voice traffic since the beginning of the epidemic.

End-use Insights

The consumer/residential segment dominated the market for mobile data and accounted for the largest revenue share of over 60.0% in 2021. The market is expected to maintain its dominance over the forecast period. The significant growth of the segment is ascribed due to the worldwide proliferation of smartphones. Furthermore, the rising demand for OTT apps is causing customers to consider wireless internet subscriptions, resulting in a substantial contribution to the implementation of communication networks on a larger scale. Over the projected period, the rising trend of using ultra-high-definition movies and online gaming is likely to increase the market growth. 

The business segment captured a significant revenue share in the market for mobile data in 2021. To manage their network infrastructure and business activities, most firms demand a fast and reliable internet connection. The desire for broadband services connects with nearly every facet of new-age company models, including marketing and sales, client interaction, and profit analysis. Furthermore, in combination with the global digital revolution, the digital channelization of most business models has increased the use of broadband services across all industry verticals.

Transmission Insights

The wireless segment dominated the market for mobile data and accounted for a revenue share of over 75.0% in 2021. The segment is expected to expand at a considerable CAGR from 2022 to 2028. The growth of the segment is mainly driven by the rising use of internet and mobile data services for residential and business applications. A developing 5G wave would provide a line of demarcation between wireless and wireline networks, to combine the communication modes into a single end-to-end system across public, residential, and business locations. Parallel to 5G's wireless infrastructure, wireline infrastructure is equally critical for improving mobile user quality and improving network speed. The rapid advancement of mobile wireless services from 3G to 4G and now the fledgling 5G technology has increased the demand and use of wireless mobile data services even further.

The wireline mobile data services segment captured a significant revenue share in the market for mobile data in 2021. The ability of wireline services to deliver higher quality network signals straight from the operator's equipment to an organization, business, or household has contributed to the growth. Wireline networks have grabbed attention in recent years due to their ability to boost capacity in response to changing business demands without requiring the deployment of new networks.

Regional Insights

The Asia Pacific dominated the mobile data market and captured the largest revenue share of around 35.0% in 2021 and is expected to exhibit significant growth shortly. The regional market for mobile data is primarily driven by the rising number of smartphone users, constantly growing retail and e-commerce business, and investments in 5G infrastructure. Additionally, China, Japan, and India have contributed significantly to the market for mobile data. In addition, constantly rising government initiatives on digital integration through Information ICT are expected to drive the market forward.

In North America, the market for mobile data held a significant revenue share in 2021. Rapidly increasing technology breakthroughs, the presence of the world's leading telecom corporations trying to maximize their network investments and increase customer experience, and escalating network cyber-attacks in this region are all factors boosting market expansion in North America. Furthermore, in the United States, the use of smartphones and tablets is expanding, which is expected to push the BYOD policy. Increased device penetration, combined with robust network connection across the area, is projected to push businesses to embrace BYOD policies and thus boosting the growth of the market for mobile data.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

Mergers and acquisitions are the key strategic emphasis for industry players looking to extend their regional presence and total product ranges. Furthermore, major market participants are investing heavily to get the spectrum they need to deliver next-generation services. The market participants would be able to enhance their entire portfolios and extend their subscriber base across many nations if they had enough spectrum. Some of the prominent players in the global mobile data market include:

• AT&T Inc.

• China Telecom Corp., Ltd.

• Deutsche Telekom AG

• Vodafone Group Plc

• Verizon Communications Inc. 

• Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (NTT)

• Telefonica SA 

• KT Corporation

• Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited

• Orange SA

Mobile Data Market Report Scope

Segments Covered in the Report

This report forecasts revenue growth at the global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2017 to 2028. For the purpose of this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global mobile data market report on the basis of transmission, end-use, and region:

• Transmission Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2017 - 2028)

  • Wireline 

  • Wireless

• End-use Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2017 - 2028)

  • Consumer/Residential

  • Business

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2017 - 2028)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

  • Europe

    • U.K.

    • Germany

    • France           

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • India

    • Japan

  • Central & South America

    • Brazil

    • Argentina

  • Middle East & Africa

    • GCC

    • South Africa