Break point analysis on the spread of mobile technology in 178 countries and regions

When is the acceleration year?

Abstract

This paper analyzes the break point of the global spread of mobile technology in 178 countries and regions, classified into six groups (developed countries, ASEAN, transition countries, BRICS, African countries, and others). It was found that 1997 was the average year of acceleration of mobile phone penetration in developed countries. BRICS, transition countries, ASEAN, and African countries followed and their average acceleration year ranged from 2002 to 2004. These findings can contribute to the detailed analyses, such as estimating the separated period of economic impacts that are caused by the spread of mobile technology.