Mobile internet user penetration in APAC 2018-2030

In 2023, mobile internet user penetration in the Asia-Pacific region reached 51 percent, marking an increase from 49 percent in 2018. The user penetration of mobile internet is projected to grow to 61 percent by 2030. 

Mobile internet usage in the APAC region

Mobile internet usage in the Asia-Pacific region saw a significant increase in recent years, transforming the way people access and interact with the online world. The number of mobile internet subscribers in APAC reached approximately 1.29 billion in 2022, marking a substantial growth compared to 2015, when there were slightly over 700 million mobile internet users in the region. This growth can be attributed to several factors, including the widespread adoption of smartphones. According to a 2022 survey, mobile internet usage in the Philippines averaged five hours per day, while in Japan, the average time spent on mobile internet was approximately 1.5 hours. The increase in the number of mobile internet users has important consequences for businesses, as it influences how consumers behave, stimulates the growth of e-commerce, and accelerates digital transformation across different industries in APAC. 

5G technology in Asia-Pacific

In the Asia-Pacific region, 5G technology has been rapidly expanding in recent years. In 2022, South Korea emerged as the region’s leader, with a reach score of 6.6 out of ten. However, some countries, such as Pakistan and Indonesia, still face challenges in terms of internet access. For instance, that same year, Indonesia's reach score for 5G technology was only 0.4 out of ten, indicating that users have access to 5G in fewer than one-twentieth of locations. Despite these gaps, social media, e-commerce, and digital media are thriving in the region.