http://www.worldwatch.org/node/4287

The number of cell or mobile phone subscribers worldwide has tripled in five years, reaching 1.75 billion in 2004 according to the latest data from the International Telecommunications Union. (See Figure 1.) Preliminary data from Computer Industry Almanac, Inc. indicate that the number of cell phone subscribers reached 2.1 billion in 2005.

While 15 countries have more than 90 cell phone subscribers per 100 residents, more than 40 countries still have fewer than 10 per 100 inhabitants. The research firm Gartner estimated that cell phone sales reached 816.6 million in 2005, a 21-percent increase over 2004, with several brands focused on selling simple low-cost phones to customers in developing countries.

Complete Bundle (PDF Analysis & all Excel/PowerPoint files listed below):

Internet and Cell Phone Use Soar (Trend Bundles and Analysis) ($9.00)

Vital Signs PDF Analysis ($1.00):

Internet and Cell Phone Use Soar (Vital Signs 2006-2007)

Individual Trends (include both Excel & PowerPoint) ($1.00 each):

Internet Host Computers Worldwide, 1985-2005

Top 10 Wired Nations by Number of Internet Users, 2005

Top 10 Wired Nations by Percent of Population Online, 2004

Personal Computers Per 1,000 People, by Region, 1997-2004

Semiconductor Sales Growth by Region, 2004 and 2005

Telephone Lines Worldwide, 1960-2004

Cellular Telephone Subscribers Worldwide, 1984-2004

Countries with Highest Ratios of Cell Phones to People, 2004

Sample Figure:

(Table show exponential growth curve.)