Mobile networks now cover more than 90% of the world's population, with subscribers set to reach 5.3 billion by the end of 2010, according to the ITU.
The number of 3G users has grown to 940 million this year, with 143 countries now offering 3G commercial services, the ITU said.
The volume of SMS has tripled over the last three years to hit 6.1 trillion in 2010 – the equivalent of nearly 200,000 sent every second.
Around 3.8 billion of the world's mobile customers will come from developing nations by the end of the year, according to ITU telecom director Sami Al Basheer.
“Mobile phone penetration in developing countries now stands at 68% — higher than any other technology before,” he said.
Asian markets are generating the biggest number of subscriber adds, with China and India expected to sign another 300 million customers this year alone.
Mobile's success in developing regions is down to its affordability, the ITU said – the average monthly subscription costs the equivalent purchasing power of $15, compared to $18 in developing nations.
By contrast, fixed broadband prices remain prohibitive, with the average entry-level service costing $190 per month in emerging regions compared to just $28 in developed countries.
As a result, fixed broadband penetration remains at only 8% globally. In emerging markets there are 4.4 subscriptions per 100 people, compared to 24.6 in developed areas.
The total number of internet users has doubled in the past five years, and is on track to reach 2 billion by the end of 2010. By this time 71% of the population of the developed world and 21% from developing nations will be online.
APAC has 21.9 internet users per 100 population, compared to 65 in Europe, 55 in the Americas and 9.6 in Africa.
ITU secretary general Hamadoun Touré said broadband was the most powerful tool in the effort to meet the Millennium Development Goals in 2015.
“Broadband is the next tipping point, the next truly transformational technology,” he said. “It can generate jobs, drive growth and productivity, and underpin long-term economic competitiveness.”
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