Mobile Menu

Business Environment Profiles - United States

Number of mobile internet connections

Published: 17 July 2025

Key Metrics

Number of mobile internet connections

Total (2025)

404 Million

Annualized Growth 2020-25

1.8 %

Definition of Number of mobile internet connections

The number of mobile internet connections represents the total number of mobile broadband internet-capable devices (such as a wireless modem laptop card, smartphone or handset). These devices must also have a subscription that includes a data plan. This driver excludes subscribers restricted to content customized for mobile (e.g. text and multimedia messaging or the capacity to download ringtones and games). Data is sourced from the Federal Communications Commission.

Analyze the wider world in which businesses operate

We measure the upstream and downstream ramifications on thousands of industries so businesses can monitor their external operating environment. Explore membership options today.

Purchase options

Included in an IBISWorld Membership

Our industry reports include 35+ pages of data, analysis and charts, including:

  • Industry Financial Ratios
    Industry Financial Ratios
  • Historical and Forecast Growth
    Historical and Forecast Growth
  • Industry Market Size
    Industry Market Size
  • Industry Major Players
    Industry Major Players
  • Profitability Analysis
    Profitability Analysis
  • SWOT Analysis
    SWOT Analysis
  • Industry Trends
    Industry Trends
  • Industry Operating Conditions
    Industry Operating Conditions

Recent Trends – Number of mobile internet connections

In 2025, the number of mobile internet connections is estimated to reach 403.5 million, representing a marginal annual increase of 0.7% from the previous year. The rate of growth in mobile internet connections has notably decelerated as the market approaches saturation; nearly all potential consumers have already adopted smartphones or other connected devices. The transition to fifth-generation (5G) high-speed internet access has bolstered connectivity rates, but overall expansion is constrained by the mature state of the market. Increasing affordability of data plans and devices is helping maintain growth in the number of mobile internet connections, yet the scale of potential new users remains relatively low in the current year.

Between 2020 and 2025, the number of mobile internet connections expanded at an annualized rate of 1.8%. This period experienced progressively slowing year-on-year growth, with increases diminishing from 5.0% in 2020 to just 0.7% in 2025. Growth in this market had been driven by mobile device internet usage, which overtook personal computer (PC) usage several years prior, a macro trend that shifted internet consumption patterns and drove initial rapid adoption. However, the effect of this transition has largely played out by the start of the period, resulting in a plateauing growth path. The entry of lower-cost smartphones and competitive pricing in data services has continued to support linkages among late adopters, though the rate of adoption is restrained compared with previous years. Nonetheless, technological advancements, particularly the wider rollout of 5G networks, have added to growth in this market as web-enabled smart devices other than smartphones have slightly expanded the market for new mobile internet connections.

Macroeconomic factors, including steady increases in population and employment, contributed modestly to growth in mobile internet connections over the past five years. The proliferation of remote work and digital services, particularly in response to fluctuating labor market conditions, encouraged continued reliance on personal mobile devices. However, with the majority of the addressable market already connected, incremental gains have become more closely tied to changes in population and the replacement cycle for devices rather than first-time adoption. The impact of device substitution—individuals maintaining multiple mobile connections—remained limited in magnitude. Overall, during 2020 to 2025, the market transitioned from a high-growth environment to one marked by gradual increases in line with demographic and employment trends

Show more

5-Year Outlook – Number of mobile internet connections

The number of mobile internet connections is forecast to reach 406.2 million in 2026, reflecting ...

Looking for IBISWorld Industry Reports?

Gain strategic insight and analysis on thousands of industries.

Trusted by More Than 10,000 Clients Around the World

  • IBISWorld client - VISA
  • IBISWorld client - ADP
  • IBISWorld client - Deloitte
  • IBISWorld client - AMEX
  • IBISWorld client - Bank of Montreal