27 Feb 04
 

In 2003, the world's mobile user base grew by over 17% to reach a total 1.354 billion subscribers, with more than 25% of the new customers coming from China, according to IDATE.

China continues to report 4 to 5 million new users a month. Overall, it was developing countries that accounted for three quarters of the increase. In terms of value, the world mobile services market reached a total EUR 468 billion in 2003, up 11.3% over the previous year.

The rise in value derives largely from advanced countries which, although reporting lower subscriber base increases, are home to users who generate much higher ARPU than in emerging countries, earnings which are now stabilised and even up slightly in some cases.

Data revenues now account for 15% of sales in Western Europe.