Mobile phone subscriptions in United Kingdom
United Kingdom: Mobile phone subscriptions was 84.10 million in 2024. ◆ Volatile
Mobile phone subscriptions in United Kingdom, 1980–2024
Source: International Telecommunication Union (ITU), via World Bank (2026) – processed by Our World in Data.
Analysis
The most recent figure for mobile phone subscriptions in United Kingdom is 84.10 million, measured in 2024.
Compared with earlier readings it is down 0.3% on the previous year and up 7.2% over ten years.
Over the whole period, mobile phone subscriptions in United Kingdom peaked at 84.33 million in 2023 and was at its lowest, 0, in 1980.
That places United Kingdom 24th out of 212 countries with data for 2024, putting it in the top quarter.
The series is highly variable year to year, so single readings are best treated with caution.
Averages by decade
| Decade | Average | Lowest | Highest | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980s | 200,500 | 0 | 975,000 | 10 |
| 1990s | 7.40 million | 1.11 million | 27.18 million | 10 |
| 2000s | 61.37 million | 43.45 million | 76.48 million | 10 |
| 2010s | 78.62 million | 76.73 million | 80.70 million | 10 |
| 2020s | 81.78 million | 79.01 million | 84.33 million | 5 |
Countries ranked near United Kingdom
More science & technology data for United Kingdom
- Scientific and technical journal articles 97,536 (2023)
- Patent applications, nonresidents 7,263 (2021)
- Patent applications, residents 11,592 (2021)
- Research and development expenditure 2.7% (2023)
- Landline Internet subscriptions per 100 people 42.16 per 100 people (2024)
- Researchers in R&D 4,473 per million people (2017)
- Technicians in R&D 1,305 per million people (2016)
Frequently asked questions
- What is mobile phone subscriptions in United Kingdom?
- Mobile phone subscriptions in United Kingdom was 84.10 million in 2024, according to International Telecommunication Union (ITU), via World Bank (2026) – processed by Our World in Data.
- What is the highest mobile phone subscriptions recorded in United Kingdom?
- The highest recorded value was 84.33 million in 2023.
- What is the lowest mobile phone subscriptions recorded in United Kingdom?
- The lowest recorded value was 0 in 1980.
- How does United Kingdom rank for mobile phone subscriptions?
- United Kingdom ranks 24th out of 212 countries with data for 2024.
- Is mobile phone subscriptions rising or falling in United Kingdom?
- Over the last ten years it is up 7.2%. The long-run trend across the full record is volatile.
- Where does this United Kingdom data come from?
- The figures come from International Telecommunication Union (ITU), via World Bank (2026) – processed by Our World in Data, published as part of Mobile phone subscriptions. Statizoid updates them automatically from the source API.
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