Global AveragesGlobal Averages

    Global Average Mobile Data Usage

    Last updated: February 6, 2026

    15.7 GB

    GB/month

    The global average mobile data usage is approximately 15.7 GB per smartphone per month, having grown 25% year-over-year. India leads at 25 GB/month driven by ultra-cheap data plans. Video streaming accounts for over 65% of mobile traffic.

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    Why This Average Exists

    Mobile data consumption trends drive infrastructure investment decisions, spectrum allocation, and pricing strategies for telecom operators worldwide.

    Factors That Affect Global Average Mobile Data Usage

    • Data pricing
    • Video streaming growth
    • 5G availability
    • WiFi offloading
    • Content localization
    • Device capabilities

    Methodology & Data Sources

    The data presented on this page is compiled from publicly available datasets published by international organizations including the World Bank, World Health Organization (WHO), International Labour Organization (ILO), United Nations, NASA, and national statistical agencies.

    Global averages are calculated using population-weighted or arithmetic means depending on the metric. Country-level data reflects the most recent available figures, typically from 2023–2024. Where gaps exist, the latest available data point is used.

    All figures are subject to revision as source organizations update their datasets. For the most authoritative data, we encourage consulting the original sources linked in the table above.

    Further Reading