In 2023, the number of mobile cellular subscriptions in China stood at 1.8274 billion. From 2013 to 2023, China experienced significant growth in mobile cellular subscriptions, with early years showing double-digit increases. The year-on-year variations highlight periods of strong growth, with 2018 showing a notable 12.21% rise. However, growth has moderated recently, with a slight decline in 2020 by -1.59% and a modest increase of 2.63% in 2023. The five-year CAGR declined from 6.31% in 2019 to 2.07% by 2023, reflecting a mature market.
Over the next five years, the forecast indicates a continued rise in subscriptions, growing from 1.874 billion in 2024 to 2.0554 billion in 2028. The average annual growth rate is expected to be 1.87%, resulting in an overall increase of 9.68% over this period.
Future trends to watch for include the impact of 5G technology rollouts, increasing mobile internet demand, and potential market saturation. The growth rate indicates that while the market is stabilizing, innovations in mobile technology and services could drive future subscription increases.
