Mobile networks have evolved rapidly from analogue voice communication of 1G to high-speed data networks of 4G in the last four decades. Each generation brought significant improvements in speed, capacity, and capabilities. While 2G introduced SMS and basic data, 3G enabled mobile internet and multimedia. 4G revolutionized mobile experience with high-speed data, supporting advanced applications. The impact of mobile network services on our daily lives is immense, enabling everything from remote work to online education and entertainment. As we transition to 5G and beyond, the potential for innovation is enormous. Optimising mobile network usage requires knowledge of network types, coverage checks, and adoption of best practices.
The G20 is a premier international forum for the world’s largest economies, which includes 19 countries and the European Union. It was formed to tackle financial crises, stabilize the global economy, and address pressing global issues. The G20 promotes financial stability, sustainable growth, and international cooperation through annual summits and working groups. Even though it has effectively coordinated responses to crises such as the financial crisis of 2008, issues like economic inequality and geopolitical tensions still exist. The G20 is still a vital forum for determining international economic policies and tackling pressing problems like climate change and global health, notwithstanding complaints about its lack of representation and transparency.
In 2000, the majority of the developed G20 countries, including the United Kingdom (UK), United States (US), France, Italy, Japan and Germany, achieved near-universal 2G coverage, with figures reaching 99%, and this early adoption laid the groundwork for future mobile network advancements. Developing G20 nations also witnessed remarkable growth in 2G coverage in the last two decades. For instance, India’s 2G coverage increased from 21.1% in 2000 to 99.21% in 2022. Similarly, China expanded from 50% to 99.9%, and Turkey grew from 50.2% to 99.75% during the same period. As per the latest data of 2022, all G20 countries boasted over 90% 2G coverage, with many nearing 100%.
In most of the countries, significant 3G rollouts started between 2007 and 2010. Consequently, 3G networks were swiftly adopted by G20 countries as well, and within five to seven years, the network’s coverage increased to 90% among these top economies. Japan and South Korea were among the first countries to roll out 3G networks. South Korea and Japan both reached to 99% 3G network coverage in 2008 and 2012 subsequently. In contrast, India’s 3G network coverage grew from 0% in 2007 to 98.82% in 2022, while in Indonesia, it increased from 60% in 2014 to 96.48% in 2022. As per 2022 network coverage data, the majority of G20 countries already have achieved more than 95% 3G coverage.
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The widespread deployment of 4G networks began around 2012-2013, and it significantly enhanced mobile internet speeds and connectivity. There are several countries that quickly adopted 4G, and many of them achieved coverage of 90% or more within five years. South Korea and Japan again emerged as one of the most early adopters of 4G network technology, as both of these countries reached to 99% of 4G coverage by 2014. There are some slower adopters as well, such as India and Brazil, where the 4G network expansion progressed from 2% in 2014 to 98.67% in 2022, from 10% in 2012 to 92.36% by 2022, respectively. Notably, according to the most recent data from 2022, the majority of the G20 nations have already achieved more than 95% 4G coverage.
One of the most noteworthy trends that the data makes abundantly clear is the narrowing of the digital divide between developed and developing G20 countries. Amazing progress has been made by countries like Brazil, Indonesia, and India, bringing them closer to more developed economies. This convergence suggests improved access to digital services and information, fostering greater inclusivity. Additionally, the analysis emphasised regional differences in network coverage. In terms of early adoption and widespread coverage of new technologies, East Asian nations—especially South Korea and Japan—have continuously taken the lead. Across all generations, coverage of European nations was consistent and high. North American nations like the US and Canada, on the other hand, continued to have extensive coverage, though they occasionally lagged behind East Asian leaders in the adoption of 4G.
South Korea consistently remained at the forefront of mobile technology adoption; it achieved 99% 3G coverage by 2007 and 99.9% across all network types by 2016. India demonstrated dramatic improvements across all network types, with 2G coverage growing from 21.1% in 2000 to 99.21% in 2022, 3G from 0% in 2007 to 98.82% in 2022, and 4G from 2% in 2014 to 98.67% in 2022, showcasing rapid technological leapfrogging. Additionally, China also made notable early strides in expanding its 2G coverage, rising from 50% in 2000 to 99.46% by 2009. Although the initial rollout of 3G and 4G was slower, China quickly caught up, and by 2019, all network types reached over 99% coverage. Australia also emerged as an early adopter of mobile network technology. Its 3G coverage in 2008 was about 98%, and it rapidly adopted 4G, which grew from 52.21% in 2012 to 99.73% by 2022. Brazil demonstrated steady progress in mobile networks. Its 4G coverage grew significantly, from just 10% in 2012 to 92.36% by 2022. The Russian Federation, despite limited early data, has shown rapid progress since 2015. Its 4G coverage rose from 25% in 2012 to 92.6% by 2022, reflecting impressive improvements in a relatively short time. Saudi Arabia consistently maintained high coverage across 2G and 3G networks. Its 4G adoption was exceptionally fast, as it increased from 78% in 2012 to 100% by 2022, achieving full coverage across all network types. Lastly, the United Kingdom and the United States have been consistent high achievers. Both the countries reached near-universal 2G coverage early on and quickly adopted 3G and 4G networks. In 2020, they achieved over 99% coverage across all network types.
Technological leapfrogging, particularly in countries like India and China, has enabled rapid adoption of newer technologies, often bypassing intermediate stages. This widespread availability of high-speed mobile networks has also spurred digital economic growth across the G20 nations. The consistent improvement in network coverage across all G20 countries points to the success of policy initiatives and increased investment in telecommunications infrastructure. By 2022, near-universal 4G coverage in most G20 countries has laid a robust foundation for future 5G network deployments. East Asian nations, especially South Korea and Japan, continue to lead in the early adoption and expansion of new mobile network technologies. Overall, the above-mentioned insights reflect the rapid evolution of mobile networks, with many countries achieving near-universal coverage within a decade of the introduction of new technologies. The evolution of mobile network coverage in G20 countries underscores the rapid advancement and significant investments in telecommunications infrastructure. From early 2G adoption to near-universal 4G coverage, these nations have made remarkable strides in ensuring widespread connectivity. This progress narrows the digital divide and sets a robust foundation for the future deployment of 5G networks, promising even more significant advancements in global connectivity and digital economic growth.
References
- Statistics. (n.d.). ITU. https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-D/Statistics/pages/stat/default.aspx
- The world’s richest source of ICT statistics and regulatory information – ITU DataHub. (n.d.). https://datahub.itu.int/
- TIMESOFINDIA.COM. (2020, December 10). 3G, 4G, EDGE, 5G: What you need to know about mobile networks. The Times of India. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/gadgets-news/3g-4g-edge-5g-what-you-need-to-know-about-mobile-networks/articleshow/79655560.cms
- Marwaha, S., & Livemint. (2024, January 30). Why Reliance wants government to shut down 2G, 3G services in India to help enable shift to 4G, 5G | Mint Primer. https://www.livemint.com. https://www.livemint.com/videos/companies/why-reliance-wants-government-to-shut-down-2g-3g-services-in-india-to-help-enable-shift-to-4g-5g-11706622905687.html
About Author
Pankaj Chowdhury is a former Research Assistant at the International Economic Association. He holds a Master’s degree in Demography & Biostatistics from the International Institute for Population Sciences and a Bachelor’s degree in Statistics from Visva-Bharati University. His primary research interests focus on exploring new dimensions of in computational social science and digital demography.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of 360 Analytika.
Acknowledgement: The author extends his gratitude to the International Telecommunication Union for providing data support.
This article is posted by Sahil Shekh, Editor-in-Chief at 360 Analytika.
