Over 3 Billion Worldwide Still disconnected Despite mobile Internet Availability: GSMA Calls for New Strategies
LONDON - September 9, 2025 - Despite widespread mobile internet coverage, a meaningful digital divide persists, leaving over 3.1 billion people unconnected, according to the GSMA’s latest State of Mobile Internet Connectivity report released today. While 4.7 billion people – 58% of the global population – now access the internet via thier mobile devices, a ample 38% remain in the “use gap,” hindered by factors beyond simply a lack of network availability.
The report highlights a stark reality: 96% of the world’s population now lives within areas covered by mobile internet.Though, an additional 300 million people (4% of the global population) still reside in “coverage gap” areas, completely without access. This brings the total number of unconnected individuals to 3.4 billion as of 2024.
The primary challenge isn’t infrastructure, but access. the vast majority of those disconnected live in areas with coverage,but face barriers preventing them from getting online. For many in low- and medium-income countries, mobile devices are the primary – and often only – pathway to the internet, accounting for 84% of all internet connections globally. A staggering 93% of those without connection reside in thes developing economies (Pibm).
Affordability remains a critical obstacle. The cost of a basic internet-enabled mobile device currently represents 16% of the average monthly income in lower-income nations. For the poorest 20% of the population, that figure jumps dramatically to 48%.
“$30 coudl make phones affordable for up to 1.6 billion people who currently cannot access the available mobile internet coverage,” stated Vivek Badrinath, Director General of the GSMA. “Achieving this requires a concerted and collaborative effort between the mobile industry, device manufacturers, policymakers, financial institutions, and others – a duty we must all share.”
The GSMA emphasizes the crucial socio-economic benefits of internet access, pointing to increased access to essential services like healthcare, education, and banking, particularly via mobile platforms.
“In 96% of the world, the infrastructure to connect to the internet through mobile is available,” Badrinath added. “Eliminating the remaining barriers is essential to ensure that the existing digital gap doesn’t widen.”
Read the full report here: https://www.gsma.com/somic/
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