Communications and Connectivity

Communications and Connectivity

Future IndustryYes
Africa Relevance82 / 100

Communications and Connectivity is the industry focused on enabling global communication and data exchange through digital networks, telecommunications systems, and internet infrastructure. It forms the backbone of the connected digital economy.

This industry includes mobile networks, broadband systems, internet service providers, satellite communications, fiber-optic infrastructure, and wireless technologies. It ensures the transmission of voice, video, and data across global networks.

The Communications industry includes companies building telecom infrastructure, network hardware, internet platforms, satellite communication systems, and connectivity services. These systems support businesses, governments, and consumers worldwide.

Key areas include 5G and emerging 6G networks, internet backbone infrastructure, cloud connectivity, satellite internet, edge networking, and global communication systems. These technologies enable real-time communication and digital service delivery at scale.

As connectivity expands, this industry creates careers in network engineering, telecommunications, infrastructure development, satellite systems engineering, and network security.

Explore Communications and Connectivity companies, systems, and careers powering global digital communication and internet infrastructure.

Market Data

Table of 15 market-data points for this industry.
MetricValueYearNotes
Global Telecom Market Size 1,820 USD Billion2024 Total global telecommunications market including mobile Source: fixed-line
Projected Market Size (2030) 2,300 USD Billion2030 Growth driven by 5G proliferation Source: satellite broadband expansion
CAGR (2024–2030) 4 Percent2024–2030 Modest but stable growth; satellite broadband and 5G enterprise services are the highest-growth sub-segments at 15–20% CAGR Source: ITU Global ICT Development Report 2024
Global 5G Connections 1,900,000,000 Connections2024 Total 5G subscriber connections globally in 2024; China accounts for over 50% of global 5G connections Source: GSMA Intelligence 5G Connections Tracker 2024
Global 5G Network Capex 250 USD Billion2024 Estimated annual global 5G network capital expenditure by telecom operators in 2024; declining as initial rollouts complete Source: GSMA Intelligence Capital Expenditure Report 2024
Starlink Active Subscribers 4,000,000 Subscribers2024 SpaceX Starlink active satellite internet subscribers globally in mid-2024; growing by ~100K per month Source: SpaceX public disclosures / Bloomberg 2024
Global Internet Users 5,400,000,000 Users2024 Total global internet users in 2024; represents approximately 67% of the global population; growth slowing in mature markets Source: International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Measuring Digital Development 2024
Undersea Cable Network Length 1,400,000 Kilometers2024 Total length of active undersea fiber optic cables forming the global internet backbone; 400+ cable systems Source: TeleGeography Submarine Cable Map 2024
Median Annual Salary (Network Engineer – US) 95,000 USD2024 Median annual salary for network engineers and telecom infrastructure engineers in the United States Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OES 2024
Africa Mobile Subscribers 1,150,000,000 Subscribers2024 Total mobile subscribers in Africa; mobile penetration at ~80% of population; smartphone adoption accelerating Source: GSMA Sub-Saharan Africa Mobile Economy Report 2024
Global Data Center Market Size 266 USD Billion2024 Market for data center construction Source: colocation
Global IoT Connections 18,000,000,000 Devices2024 Total active Internet of Things device connections globally across consumer Source: enterprise
Submarine Cable Investment (annual) 5,000 USD Million2024 Annual investment in new undersea fiber optic cable systems; hyperscalers (Google Source: Meta
Global Spectrum Auction Revenue 20 USD Billion2023 Government revenue from spectrum license auctions globally in 2023; 5G mid-band spectrum commands premium pricing Source: ITU Spectrum Management Report 2024
Africa Internet Penetration 43 Percent2024 Percentage of African population with internet access; up from 29% in 2019; mobile internet dominant; significant rural gap Source: GSMA / ITU Africa Digital Economy Report 2024
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