Four billion users on the line

The number of connections made on mobile phone networks has now passed the four billion mark, according to the GSM Association (which represents the interests of the mobile communications industry). The association also predicts that figure to reach six billion by 2013.

But while the number of connections has reached four billion, it does not mean the number of mobile phone users has reached the same level. Rather, mobile phone users sometimes use multiple devices to make connections.

In Australia, the amount of mobile connections reached 21 million in 2007, passing the country’s population, while in Western Europe, 20% of connections are from a single user operating multiple devices.

The GSM Association expects the number of connections to grow as mobile connections become faster, operating on broadband-speed networks.