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Metadata Glossary

CodeIT.CEL.COVR.ZS
Indicator NamePopulation covered by mobile cellular network (%)
Long definitionPopulation covered by a mobile-cellular network is the percentage of people within range of a mobile-cellular signal, irrespective of whether they are subscribers or users or not. This is calculated by dividing the number of people within range of a mobile-cellular signal by the total population and multiplying by 100.
SourceInternational Telecommunication Union, World Telecommunication/ICT Development Report and database.
TopicInfrastructure: Communications
PeriodicityAnnual
Aggregation methodWeighted average
Statistical concept and methodologyPercentage of population covered by a mobile cellular telephone network refers to the percentage of a country's inhabitants that live within areas served by a mobile cellular signal, irrespective of whether or not they choose to use it. This is calculated by dividing the number of inhabitants within range of a mobile cellular signal by the total population.
Development relevanceAccess to telecommunication services rose on an unprecedented scale over the past two decades. This growth was driven primarily by wireless technologies and liberalization of telecommunications markets, which have enabled faster and less costly network rollout. Over the past decade new financing and technology, along with privatization and market liberalization, have spurred dramatic growth in telecommunications in many countries. With the rapid development of mobile telephony and the global expansion of the Internet, information and communication technologies are increasingly recognized as essential tools of development, contributing to global integration and enhancing public sector effectiveness, efficiency, and transparency.
Limitations and exceptionsNote that this is not the same as the mobile subscription density or penetration. When there are multiple operators offering the service, the maximum amount of population covered should be reported.
General commentsRestricted use: Please cite the International Telecommunication Union for third-party use of these data. This indicator is not available in the World Development Indicators time series database.
License URLhttps://datacatalog.worldbank.org/public-licenses#cc-by
License TypeCC BY-4.0
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