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Daily Data InsightsNine in ten people in the world were in the range of a 4G network in 2023

Nine in ten people in the world were in the range of a 4G network in 2023

A line chart that shows the global increase in 4G network coverage from 2015 to 2023. The x-axis represents years (2015 and 2023), while the y-axis shows coverage percentages. In 2015, North America had the highest coverage at 99%, followed by Europe (76%), Latin America (58%), and Asia (40%). Sub-Saharan Africa had the lowest at 11%. By 2023, North America and Europe reached 99%, Asia increased to 94%, Latin America to 91%, and Sub-Saharan Africa to 63%. Globally, coverage rose from 44% in 2015 to 90% in 2023, indicating that nearly 9-in-10 people worldwide are now within range of a 4G network. A note clarifies that network coverage does not imply usage.

Internet access has grown rapidly over the last few decades. It lets us connect with people across countries and continents, helps students learn and apply for jobs, and is even the primary mode of banking in some parts of the world.

But having access to fast internet also matters. This is also changing quickly.

In 2015, less than half — 44% — of the world population was in the range of a 4G network. That figure is now 90%. In the chart, you can see that this has increased quickly across many regions. This data comes from the International Telecommunication Union.

Note that being in the range of a 4G network doesn’t mean that someone is using it. If people don’t have a mobile, computer, or service to connect, they might be in the range of a network but not online.

Explore more charts on technological change across the world →

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