The Mobile Economy Europe 2021

The European mobile industry has been instrumental in keeping consumers and businesses connected throughout the pandemic, despite changes in data consumption patterns and demand. Actions from operators to alleviate the impact of the pandemic include zero-rating educational services, harnessing the power of mobile big data solutions for epidemiological modelling, and providing direct funding for hospitals, frontline workers and other healthcare initiatives.

In 2020, 472 million people in Europe (86% of the population) subscribed to mobile services. The total addressable market for the region’s operators is approaching saturation point, with larger mobile markets such as France, Germany and Spain accounting for the majority of new unique subscribers.

Since 2012, rapid adoption of 4G services has occurred across many European countries, establishing it as the region’s leading mobile technology. That said, connections are forecast to peak during 2022. By the end of 2025, the region will be home to 276 million 5G connections, with the Nordics and Western Europe recording the highest adoption rates.

5G has the potential to deliver a significant amount of value to the region, but the mobile sector remains heavily regulated and influenced by fragmented policy frameworks. To ensure Europe keeps up with the global 5G pacesetters, it is more important than ever that policymakers practise efficient spectrum management and move to eliminate network rollout barriers.