Global cellphone connections have reached the 5bn milestone, growing by 1bn in the last 18 months alone.

Research by international mobile research firm Wireless Intelligence shows Africa remains the lowest penetrated market at 52% of the population, while Western Europe is the highest at 130%.

At the end of 2009, the International Telecommunication Union reported worldwide mobile connections at 4,6bn.

Wireless Intelligence says the boom is a surprise, as it managed to buck the global economic crisis and severe regulatory measures that have forced many operators around the world to disconnect customers over the last year.

However, it says the high levels of growth in China and India are the primary contributors to the global figure. By the end of the second quarter of this year, the two Asian countries accounted for 47% of all global mobile connections.

The introduction of third-generation (3G) mobile services have also contributed to the rapid growth of the sector. High-speed packet access networks, which provide high-speed 3G, accounted for 8% of global connections.

In more developed markets, GSM technology is slowing, with the higher speed technologies taking over. However, in Africa GSM still accounts for 92% of mobile Sims.

The research shows the growing number of mobile virtual network operators has also had an impact on the numbers. Wireless Intelligence says that at the current growth rate, virtual operators will outnumber traditional mobile players by the middle of 2013.

Joss Gillet senior analyst at Wireless Intelligence says there is a steady global trend towards data services through mobile. “In emerging markets, data services revenues are gaining momentum, especially in markets with low fixed-broadband penetration, which allows for fast adoption of bundled deals.”

The company predicts the world will reach 6bn connections early in 2012. It’s important to note that the figures refer to the number of active Sim cards, and not the number of people using cellphones. — Staff Reporter, TechCentral