Source: International Telecommunication Union & Internet Systems Consortium.

Diffusion of Telecommunication Services, 1985-2010

The development of portable (cellular phones) and global telecommunication (internet) networks has been remarkable, especially since the 1990s when the trend became exponential. As of 2010, there were about 5.4 billion cellular phone subscribers (about two persons out of three), around 550 million internet host computers and possibly 1.6 billion internet users. Exact figures are difficult to assess because of the decentralized and distributed structure of the Internet; its extent is not fully known. The diffusion has thus been massive and universal, with substantial economic, social and cultural changes. It is linked with increased access to information (financial, cultural, educational, political, etc.) as well as with increased economic opportunities derived from a closely linked global economy.

Home | Contents | Media | Glossary | Links | About | Contact | Purchase

Copyright © 1998-2012, Dr. Jean-Paul Rodrigue, Dept. of Global Studies & Geography, Hofstra University, New York, USA.
This material (including graphics) cannot be copied or redistributed, in whole or in part, in ANY FORM (printed or electronic) and on ANY MEDIA. For specific uses permission MUST be requested and the material must be cited.