China's mobile data boom to drive $156b market by 2030

Mobile data service revenue will increase at a CAGR of 4.8% between 2025 and 2030.

China’s mobile services revenue is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.7%, with its market valuation edging up to $156b in 2030 from $143b in 2025, according to a recent GlobalData report.

Mobile data service revenue will increase at a CAGR of 4.8% between 2025 and 2030, with rising smartphone usage and increasing consumption of mobile data services—particularly video and social media content—supporting this growth.

Average monthly mobile data usage will increase from 15.1 gigabytes (GB) in 2025 to 23.1 GB in 2030.

Mobile voice service revenue will decline at a CAGR of 23% over the forecast period due to users shifting to internet-based communication platforms, which will reduce mobile voice average revenue per user.

5G will remain the leading mobile technology in terms of subscriptions through 2030, supported by ongoing 5G network modernisation by major mobile network operators, increasing availability and affordability of 5G smartphones, and operators offering premium 5G plans.

Machine-to-machine (M2M) and Internet of Things (IoT) subscriptions will increase at a CAGR of 7.5% over the forecast period, underpinned by the expansion of IoT and M2M use cases enabled by 5G networks.

Sarwat Zeeshan, Telecom Analyst at GlobalData, said China Mobile will remain the market leader in China’s mobile services market through the forecast period.

This will be supported by its network coverage, investment in next-generation connectivity, focus on 5G network modernisation, increased network capacity, and broader service offerings for consumers and enterprises.