We focus on coverage in this report. Globally, 90% of the world's population is covered by 2G networks and 73% by 3G. This implies that 10% of people are living in areas unable to access basic voice and SMS services, while 30% live outside of range of the mobile internet on a 3G speed or higher.

This data provides insight into the pace at which mobile subscribers worldwide are migrating from traditional mobile services such as voice and SMS across to mobile data services, underlining how mobile is now the primary method of getting online for many, especially in the developing world.

Mobile networks are now pervasive, with 2G coverage above 90% in the majority of markets and heavy investment being made by operators to bring 3G to similar levels. However, there is still a section of the population – perhaps 10-15% - living outside of coverage range.

Around 40% of people in the developing world now actively subscribe to mobile services, with many more having access to a mobile, if not direct ownership. Mobile access in these regions has outpaced the rate at which much of the population is gaining access to basic services such as electricity, sanitation, and banking. As such, there has been increased focus on the role mobile can play in improving social, economic and environmental development in emerging markets.

The mobile industry has made good progress in ensuring LTE spectrum harmonisation on a regional basis. However, it has only recently started tackling the challenge of developing an LTE smartphone that works worldwide. Such a device would improve economies of scale for both device manufacturers and operators, while nurturing global LTE roaming and triggering the faster adoption of LTE services.