5.b.1 Proportion of individuals who own a mobile telephone, by sex

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Headline data

Proportion of individuals who own a mobile telephone, by sex
Year Value Series GeoCode Observation status Unit multiplier Unit measure
2008 84 Percentage of individuals who use a mobile telephone Normal value Units Percentage (%)
2009 89 Percentage of individuals who use a mobile telephone Normal value Units Percentage (%)
2010 89 Percentage of individuals who use a mobile telephone Normal value Units Percentage (%)
2011 91 Percentage of individuals who use a mobile telephone Normal value Units Percentage (%)
2012 92 Percentage of individuals who use a mobile telephone Normal value Units Percentage (%)
2013 92 Percentage of individuals who use a mobile telephone Normal value Units Percentage (%)
2014 93 Percentage of individuals who use a mobile telephone Normal value Units Percentage (%)
2015 93 Percentage of individuals who use a mobile telephone Normal value Units Percentage (%)
2016 93 Percentage of individuals who use a mobile telephone Normal value Units Percentage (%)
2017 97 Percentage of individuals who use a mobile telephone Normal value Units Percentage (%)
2018 94 Percentage of individuals who use a mobile telephone Normal value Units Percentage (%)
2019 94 Percentage of individuals who use a mobile telephone Normal value Units Percentage (%)
2020 94 Percentage of individuals who use a mobile telephone Normal value Units Percentage (%)
2011 28 Percentage of individuals who use a smartphone Normal value Units Percentage (%)
2012 39 Percentage of individuals who use a smartphone Normal value Units Percentage (%)
2013 51 Percentage of individuals who use a smartphone Normal value Units Percentage (%)
2014 61 Percentage of individuals who use a smartphone Normal value Units Percentage (%)
2015 71 Percentage of individuals who use a smartphone Normal value Units Percentage (%)
2016 76 Percentage of individuals who use a smartphone Normal value Units Percentage (%)
2017 81 Percentage of individuals who use a smartphone Normal value Units Percentage (%)
2018 78 Percentage of individuals who use a smartphone Normal value Units Percentage (%)
2019 84 Percentage of individuals who use a smartphone Normal value Units Percentage (%)
2020 87 Percentage of individuals who use a smartphone Normal value Units Percentage (%)

Source: Ofcom

Geographical Area: United Kingdom

Unit of Measurement: Percentage (%)

Footnote:

1) The period January to February is being used to report annual data.

2) The date on the X axis is the year at the start of the period.

3) From 2015 onwards, the age categories '55 to 64' and '65 and over' were combined and renamed '55 +'.

4) All data have been weighted to ensure they are representative of the UK adult population.

5) As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Ofcom Technology Tracker was not able to conduct face-to-face fieldwork in 2021, the method by which previous Technology Tracker surveys have been conducted. As such, data for 2021 has not been included as it is not directly comparable to previous years.

This table provides metadata for the actual indicator available from UK statistics closest to the corresponding global SDG indicator. Please note that even when the global SDG indicator is fully available from UK statistics, this table should be consulted for information on national methodology and other UK-specific metadata information.

Indicator available

5.b.1 Proportion of individuals who own a mobile telephone, by sex
Indicator description
Geographical coverage

United Kingdom
Unit of measurement

Percentage (%)
Definitions

A smartphone is defined as a phone on which you can easily access emails, download files and applications, as well as view websites and generally search the internet.
Available disaggregations

From 2015 onwards, the age categories ‘55 to 64’ and ‘65 and over’ were combined and renamed ‘55 +’.
Calculations
Other information

Data follows the UN specification for this indicator. This indicator has been identified in collaboration with topic experts.
Data last updated 19 April 2022
Metadata last updated 19 April 2022

This table provides information on metadata for SDG indicators as defined by the UN Statistical Commission. Complete global metadata is provided by the UN Statistics Division.

Indicator name

Proportion of individuals who own a mobile telephone, by sex
Target name

Enhance the use of enabling technology, in particular information and communications technology, to promote the empowerment of women
Global indicator description
UN designated tier

Tier II
UN custodian agency

International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
Link to UN metadata United Nations Sustainable Development Goals metadata for target 5.b opens in a new window
Organisation

Ofcom
Periodicity

Annual
Earliest available data

2008
Geographical coverage

UK
Link to data source Statistical release calendars - Ofcom technology tracker. opens in a new window
Release date 30 April 2020
Next release

TBA
Statistical classification

Offical statistic
Contact details

market.research@ofcom.org.uk
Other information

Technology Tracker UK CSV data tables - Tables that show responses to QD2. Do you personally use a mobile phone? QD5 (QD24B). Do you personally use a smartphone?

As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Ofcom Technology Tracker was not able to conduct face-to-face fieldwork in 2021, the method by which previous Technology Tracker surveys have been conducted. As such, data for 2021 has not been included as it is not directly comparable to previous years.
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