2.5 bln mobile subscribers by the end of 2006

Global growth of subscriptions for wireless services will slow to 20% in 2006 from 23% in 2005, with the biggest gains in emerging markets, especially some African countries, according to Strategy Analytics. By the end of 2006 there will be 2.5 bln mobile subscribers, up from 2.1 bln at the end of 2005. This includes about 400 mln people with two phones or a separate subscription for laptop data services. Global wireless service revenue is expected to rise 11% to $623.9 bln. While countries such as Russia, India and Indonesia were among the fastest growing in 2005 at 40% to 50%, African countries such as Nigeria and Algeria could lead the growth in 2006. The global wireless service industry is expected to generate $800 bln in revenue in 2010, with emerging markets accounting for about 42% of the total.