With Wi-Fi available everywhere, from your room to public places like libraries and stations, today, it has become an important part of our lives. It allows you to stay connected with your friends and family and keeps you updated.
While Wi-Fi is important, how many statistics do you know about it? Probably very few. So, to keep you updated, we have created a Wi-Fi statistics report. We will try to cover everything here, from the number of people using the internet to the total number of people wanting the internet.
1. How Many People Use Wi-Fi and Internet Globally?
Wi-Fi has become the preferred method for internet access in many parts of the world. As of 2023, 5.8 billion people are online, with a large portion of them connecting through Wi-Fi networks—whether at home, in public spaces, or in the workplace. In developed countries, nearly 90% of internet users connect to the web via Wi-Fi at least sometimes.
Wi-Fi makes accessing the Internet easier and cheaper, especially for homes with broadband. More people are using wireless technology, and for many around the world, Wi-Fi is the main way to get online.
Key Wi-Fi Statistics:
- 5.8 billion people use the internet worldwide
- 71.25% of the global population is online (as of 2023)
- 90% of internet users in developed countries connect via Wi-Fi at least occasionally
Source: Statista Report
2. Wi-Fi in Public Spaces
Over the last ten years, public Wi-Fi hotspots have become very popular. These networks offer free or low-cost internet access in places like malls, airports, libraries, and cafés. They are important for people who need internet connectivity when they are not at home or at work.
The importance of Wi-Fi in public and commercial areas is shown by the fact that 30% of internet users rely on free Wi-Fi at least once a day. As more locations offer free Wi-Fi access, wireless internet has become a vital part of our daily lives.
Public Wi-Fi Usage Stats
- 30% of internet users use free Wi-Fi at least once a day
- 81% of travelers consider Wi-Fi a must-have when booking accommodations or choosing travel destinations
- 67% of users report using public Wi-Fi to avoid mobile data costs, particularly during travel
3. Wi-Fi and Travel Industry Stats
Wi-Fi is often seen as a simple convenience for homes or offices, but it is just as important for travellers. A recent survey revealed that 81% of tourists consider internet access a "must-have" while travelling. This includes using Wi-Fi during transit, in cafés, hotels, and airports. Reliable wireless networks are critical for travellers to book flights and accommodations, find their way in new places, and stay in touch with family and friends.
In fact, the strong demand for reliable Wi-Fi can influence travel decisions. More travellers are now prioritising hotels and destinations that offer fast and free Wi-Fi.
Key Stats for Travelers
- 81% of travellers consider Wi-Fi an essential amenity during their vacation trips.
- 70% of vacationers prioritise Wi-Fi availability when choosing a hotel.
- 55% of travellers report that having Wi-Fi is one of their top criteria for selecting a destination.
4. VPNs Usage Data
With the rise of people using Wi-Fi in public and semi-public areas, concerns about security and privacy have grown. Many individuals turn to virtual private networks, or VPNs, to protect their internet data when connecting to public or unsecured Wi-Fi networks. A VPN helps keep users' private information safe by encrypting their data and masking their IP addresses, making it harder for others to access it.
As of 2023, 31% of internet users worldwide utilize VPNs, and a significant number express worries about their privacy while using public Wi-Fi. This awareness has increased as more people recognize the potential risks of using free Wi-Fi in public spaces such as coffee shops and airports, where data security can be at risk.
VPN Usage Statistics
- 31% of internet users use VPNs regularly for privacy and security
- 48% of U.S. internet users have used a VPN at least once
- 20% of European internet users regularly use VPN services
5. Remote Worker Reliance on Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi has become essential for remote work, enabling employees to collaborate and communicate effectively from home or anywhere else. With the rise of remote work, many people are now working from home offices or co-working spaces, which has increased the demand for reliable and fast Wi-Fi. In fact, recent research shows that 90% of remote workers rely on Wi-Fi for their work needs.
To support this, companies are investing in high-speed Wi-Fi networks to ensure that employees can stay connected and productive regardless of their location.
Wi-Fi for Remote Workers
- 90% of remote workers rely on Wi-Fi for daily work tasks
- 75% of remote workers say that a fast and reliable Wi-Fi connection is essential for their productivity
- 80% of companies now provide Wi-Fi infrastructure for employees working remotely
6. Wi-Fi Usage of Different Devices
Wi-Fi is used to connect various gadgets, such as cellphones, computers, tablets, and even smart home appliances. It’s become an essential resource, allowing us to connect multiple devices at once without draining our precious mobile data, especially as our internet usage shifts toward mobile options.
New research shows that smartphones and tablets account for the majority of internet usage through Wi-Fi, while laptops contribute a smaller share. Plus, with the rise of Wi-Fi-enabled smart home devices like security cameras and smart speakers, we're seeing an exciting increase in overall Wi-Fi traffic!
Device Breakdown of Wi-Fi Usage
- 75% of Wi-Fi usage comes from smartphones and tablets
- 15% of Wi-Fi usage is from laptops and desktop computers
- 10% of Wi-Fi traffic is generated by smart home devices such as Alexa, Google Home, and connected cameras
Source: Statista Report
7. How Many People Use the Internet? Global Internet Statistics
While Wi-Fi is a common way to connect to the internet, it’s important to consider the overall picture of internet use. In 2023, 5.8 billion people are online, which is about 71.25% of the world's population. This shows a notable increase in internet access, especially with more
individuals in developing areas getting connected to broadband and mobile data services.
Even in places where Wi-Fi isn't widely available, mobile internet is helping to close the gap. As more people worldwide go online, Wi-Fi will remain essential for keeping everyone connected.
Key Internet Usage Statistics
- 5.8 billion people, or 71.25% of the global population, use the internet worldwide.
- In developed countries, 90% of internet users connect via Wi-Fi at least occasionally.
- Internet penetration is expected to reach 75% globally by 2025.
Conclusion
Wi-Fi is already used by billions of people daily, making it a crucial part of our lives. As the above Wi-Fi stats show, we cannot imagine modern life without the internet and Wi-Fi.
Wi-Fi is expected to grow further as new technologies like Wi-Fi 6 are developed. The world is also developing new and powerful machines like AI, and Wi-Fi is supposed to grow as well.