services; banking; networking and file transfer; education; video streaming; order tracking; ticket purchases and, more recently, mobile medical apps and more. The popularity of mobile apps has continued to rise, as their usage has become increasingly prevalent across mobile phone device platforms. Apps are usually available through application distribution platforms typically operated by the developer/owner of the mobile operating system. Usually, they are downloaded from the platform to a target device, such as an iPhone, BlackBerry, Android phone or Windows Phone, but sometimes they can be downloaded to laptops or desktop computers. Mobile applications usually help users by connecting them to Internet services more commonly accessed on tablets, smart phones or notebook computers. The bottom line is that mobile apps make it easier to use the Internet on their portable devices. But for these apps and services to be available, access to an ICT network is required.5.2.2 Sector Growth According to ITU statistics, the number of mobile-cellular subscriptions worldwide is approaching the number of people on Earth, which is estimated at about 7 billion. This corresponds to a penetration rate of 97 per cent, up from just 738 million in 2000. Globally, an estimated 3.2 billion people are using the Internet, of which 2 billion are from developing countries. The statistics also indicate that mobile broadband is the most dynamic market segment, with a penetration reach of 47 per cent in 2015 -- a value that has increased 12 times since 2007. The proportion of the population covered by a 2G mobile-cellular network grew from 58 percent in 2001 to 95 per cent in 2015. During the same period, 3G mobile-broadband coverage was extending rapidly and into the rural areas.7 The fixed-broadband uptake was found to have grown at a slower pace, with a 7 per cent annual increase over the past three years. Fixed broadband was expected to reach an 11 per cent penetration rate by the end of 2015. Looking towards the future, mobile networks will play an even more significant role in the post-2015 development agenda. This opportunity will arise through use of mobile networks as delivery media for m-services and applications. As countries continue to make positive progress in upgrading mobile networks, deploying 3G-plus technologies 126 Trends in Telecommunication Reform 2016 Box 5.1: What is a mobile app?A mobile app is a software program you can download and access directly using your smart phone or another mobile device, like a tablet or music player.What do I need to download and use an app?You need a smart phone or another mobile device with Internet access. Not all apps work on all mobile devices. Once you buy a device, you’re committed to using the operating system and the type of apps that go with it. The Android, Apple, Microsoft and BlackBerry mobile operating systems have app stores online where you can look for, download, and install apps. Some online retailers also offer app stores. You’ll have to use an app store that works with your device’s operating system. To set up an account, you may have to provide a credit card number, especially if you’re going to download an app that isn’t free.5 What is mobile for development?Mobile for development is a broad term that captures initiatives that bring together mobile network operators (MNOs) and the development community to promote commercial mobile services for the benefit of under-served people in emerging markets. These initiatives are driven by the premise that mobile is the predominant infrastructure in emerging markets; they seek to identify opportunities for social, economic and environmental impact.6