Global mobile service revenues returned to growth in the third quarter for the first time in four quarters, according to figures published by Strategy Analytics this week.
At 0.1% year-on-year, the growth was modest to say the least. Nevertheless, it represents a significant improvement compared to the end of 2014, when global mo bile service revenue fell by more than 2%.
"China provided the overall boost to global numbers, but other regions such as Europe also saw improving trends with uplift from greater 4G LTE adoption," said Strategy Analytics, in a research note on Thursday.
The Middle East and Africa recorded the highest mobile service revenue growth: 2.7% year-on-year, driven by strong data and voice performance in South Africa.
Not every region fared so well though (see chart).
Central and Latin America saw mobile service revenue fall 6.9% in Q3; Strategy Analytics said Venezuela’s "rapidly deteriorating exchange rate" was the biggest contributor.
