The US ranks 24th in wireless broadband penetration worldwide, according to a recent survey. Europe leads all regions in broadband speeds, averaging more than 2.7 times the worldwide average.
US Ranks 24th in Wireless Broadband Subscribers per 100 Inhabitants
The United States just made the top 25 in a recent survey of wireless broadband subscribership the the ITU (see Figure 1). About 54 percent of the population has an active mobile broadband subscription in the US, ahead of Ireland at 47.3% penetration. Korea leads all countries surveyed with 91 percent penetration, followed by Japan at 87.8%, Sweden at 84%, Australia at 82.7% and Finland at 78.1% mobile broadband penetartion. The UK came in 21st overall with 56% of inhabitants on mobile broadband, while Canada did not make the top 25.
Figure 1: Top 25 Countries in Mobile Broadband Penetration 2010
Source: ITU Measuring the Information Society 2011
Europe Leads World in Bandwidth
Meanwhile Europe leads all regions in bandwidth speeds, with more than 2.7 times the worldwide average in bandwidth data rates (see Figure 2). Africa, Asia & Pacific, and the Arab States came in last. The Americas moved below the world average from 2005 to 2010.
Figure 2: International Bandwidth by Region – 2010
Source: ITU Measuring the Information Society 2011
Further Reading
- ITU Measuring the Information Society 2011
- An extensive report with data and graphs showing trends in mobile and non-mobile broadband among
many countries.