Data from TeleGeography’s GlobalComms Database shows that there are half a dozen countries around the world where 3G subscribers account for more than half of all wireless customers. At the end of September 2010, North Korea – one of the globe’s most secretive and closed economies – led the charge, with over 99.9% of the country’s 301,399 wireless users connected to a 3G network, namely that which was launched by Egyptian owned cellco CHEO Technology (Koryolink) in December 2008. It should be noted however that services over the Koryolink network are severely restricted: users have access to SMS but access to the internet is restricted to a small number of official websites. In second place is Japan, where an impressive 94.6% of all wireless users are connected to 3G platforms, followed by regional rival South Korea (71.7%), Australia (64.6%) and Taiwan (58.1%). Sweden is the only non-Asia-Pacific country to make it into the top six, with 55.4% of wireless users connected to a 3G network. Slovakia is the sole country from Eastern Europe to make the top ten (48%), while the US is placed 24th with 31.4% of users on a 3G network.
TeleGeography’s GlobalComms Database is the most complete and up-to-date source of data about the wireless, broadband, and fixed-line markets and service providers available anywhere. Nothing rivals the geographic scope (171 countries and counting), the depth of coverage, the timeliness, and the functionality of the GlobalComms Database. For more information please call +44 1392 315577 or email tharvey@telegeography.com