A world still disconnected : 3.45 billion people—43% of the global population—remain offline, according to the latest GSMA State of Mobile Internet Connectivity 2024 report.
https://www.gsma.com/r/somic/Despite significant strides in mobile internet accessibility, 3.45 billion people—43% of the global population—remain offline, according to the latest GSMA State of Mobile Internet Connectivity 2024 report. While mobile internet usage continues to grow, the rate of new adopters is slowing, underscoring the challenges of bridging the digital divide.
The report, funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), reveals that addressing this gap could contribute an estimated $3.5 trillion to global GDP between 2023 and 2030, with 90% of this benefit flowing to low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
RELEVANT SUSTAINABLE GOALS
Understanding the Gaps
The report categorizes the connectivity gap into two areas:
- The Coverage Gap: 350 million people (4% of the global population) live in remote areas without mobile internet networks.
- The Usage Gap: 3.1 billion people (39% of the global population) live within mobile internet coverage but do not use it.
The usage gap dwarfs the coverage gap, especially in regions like Sub-Saharan Africa, where only 27% of the population uses mobile internet, leaving a staggering 60% usage gap.
Economic Potential and Barriers to Access
Connecting the unconnected isn’t just a technological challenge—it’s an economic opportunity. Closing the usage gap could provide transformative benefits, yet persistent barriers hinder progress:
- Affordability: In LMICs, entry-level smartphones cost an average of 18% of monthly income, rising to 51% for the poorest 20%. In Sub-Saharan Africa, the figure skyrockets to 99% for the region’s poorest.
- Digital Skills and Literacy: Lack of education on using mobile internet ranks as the second-largest barrier globally and the top barrier in Asian countries.
- Safety and Security Concerns: Fear of online risks discourages usage, especially among new adopters.
- Limited Local Content: The absence of relevant services and content tailored to local needs compounds the problem.
- Infrastructure Challenges: Rural and remote areas often lack the basic infrastructure to support mobile internet adoption.
Progress and Initiatives for Inclusion
GSMA has spearheaded several initiatives to narrow the digital divide. Programs like the Mobile Internet Skills Training Toolkit (MISTT) have equipped over 75 million people with basic digital skills in more than 40 countries. Meanwhile, initiatives such as the Connected Women Commitment have reached 70 million women since 2016 by addressing gender-specific barriers.
Closing the digital divide requires a unified effort by governments, mobile network operators, and international organizations. The report highlights key strategies:
- Handset Financing: Reduce upfront device costs through innovative payment plans.
- Digital Skills Training: Empower individuals with the confidence to navigate the digital world.
- Awareness Campaigns: Promote the practical benefits of mobile internet to increase adoption.
- Localized Content Development: Provide relevant services that resonate with users’ daily needs.
- Robust Safety Frameworks: Address online safety concerns to build trust among new users.
As the world continues to digitize, connecting the unconnected is more than a milestone—it’s a necessity. Digital inclusion enables individuals to fully participate in society, unlocks economic resilience, and fosters sustainable development.
John Giusti, Chief Regulatory Officer at the GSMA, notes, “While progress continues to be made in improving infrastructure and in increasing mobile internet adoption, significant digital divides exist.
Lead image courtesy of pixelfusion3d from Getty Images Signature (Indian women using mobile phone)
