The United Nations' International Telecommunication Union has released a new report - Measuring the Information Society – that looks at information and communication technology usage across 159 countries. It says the global number of mobile cellular subscriptions is likely to exceed five billion this year, while the price of telecommunication services is falling.
The UK is the tenth most advanced ICT economy, according to the report, with Sweden in first place.
In the 'developing' world, average mobile penetration passed 50% in 2009. Average penetration in 'developed' countries now averages 113%, with more than 70 countries having over 100% mobile penetration.
Mobile phone costs fell by an average 25% worldwide in 2009, with fixed-line costs falling by 20% and fixed broadband down by 42%. However, countries with high income levels still pay relatively little for ICT services while countries with low income levels pay relatively more… although the 'digital divide' has decreased slightly.
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