9.5 billion global mobile connections expected by 2019

A new report from research firm iGR predicts that the number of global mobile connections will rise from the 6.9 billion in place last year, to 9.5 billion global connections by 2019. Additionally, the study says that the global mobile penetration rate will hit 125% by 2019, up from the 96.4% reached last year. That figure will be reached thanks to the continued increase in use of smartphones, tablets and connected cars. If you're wondering how penetration can be more than 100%, some users have more than one connected device.

We will also see more mobile users make the move to a 4G LTE network in the years ahead. Last year, more than half of connections were made on a 2G pipeline according to iGR. And while it seems like old school to many, 3G will be picking up substantial market share globally in the next five years. The report adds that 4G LTE connections will also rise by 2019. Last year, only 6% of the world's data connections were done on a 4G LTE network.

While North America currently is way ahead in terms of deploying 4G LTE, the study says that by 2019 other regions will compete for the 4G LTE crown. The report also said noted that in some countries, mobile devices are the main communications tool and the only way to connect to the internet is through a smartphone.

source: iGR via FierceWireless