Internet penetration is increasing year-over-year, but how much? You might be surprised that 663 million new users accessed internet in between 2008-2011. China recorded highest number of new internet users between 2008-2011, leading with 215 million new subscribers, followed by India, Indonesia and Philippines with 69 million, 37 million, and 28 million new subscribers till the end of 2011. On the contrary, the US added just 15 million new internet users between the same stint, taking its baseline to 245 million subscribers till the end of 2011, recorded just 1% year-over-year growth. Worldwide, internet penetration was 32% till the end of the last year, an 8% growth Y/Y. Until the end of 2011, the total internet users were 663 million, in which, 444 million users were contributed by top 10 (listed below) countries.
Until Q4 of 2011, the U.S had 64% of 3G penetration, taking its baseline to 208 million and recorded 31% Y/Y 3G growth. India and China unprecedentedly marked a growth of 841% and 115% Y/Y in 3G connection respectively between 2008-11. Till the end of Q4 of the last year, India had 39 million users 3G subscribers, however, it had just 4% of 3G penetration. Likewise, China reached to 122 million 3G subscribers during the same period, but it was still deprived in 3G penetration, had just 6% till the end of the last year. On the other side, some emerging countries such as Brazil and Indonesia had outstandingly performed between 2008-2011, soared to 17% and 11% 3G penetration till the end of the last year. Astoundingly, Japan reported a remarkable upsurge, had 122 million 3G users and 95% of 3G penetration till the end of 2011.
Indeed, the report is highly informative and has provided an incredible growth of internet and 3G subscribers worldwide. However, the report has not said anything about the 4G subscribers. It’s important because some countries are more likely to implement 5G services  later this year and some emerging countries (like India) have just implemented 4G services.
Image credit: KPCB
