3.45bn people still lack mobile network - Report

*Seek $418bn investment to breech mobile Internet gap

A new report by the industry body GSM Association stated that about 43 per cent of the world's population still not using mobile Internet.

The report the percentage posed a significant challenge in the global connectivity space.

The report revealed that a $418bn investment was needed to bridge the divide and achieve universal mobile internet access.

The State of Mobile Internet Connectivity 2024 report posited that 3.45 billion people still lacked mobile internet, with device affordability and digital skills gaps among the primary barriers.

The report stated that, "Although approximately 160 million people adopted mobile internet for the first time in 2023, the pace was slower than in previous years, underscoring the challenge of connecting underserved populations.

"The usage gap could add $3.5tn to the global economy by 2030, with the majority of benefits reaching low-and middle-income countries.

"Affordability remains a significant hurdle, especially in LMICs where mobile devices can consume up to 18 per cent of the average monthly wage. Sub-Saharan Africa is particularly affected, with mobile phones costing nearly 99 per cent of the monthly income of the region’s poorest, according to GSMA."

The report stated that four percent cent of the world's population live in areas without mobile network coverage.

The association called for coordinated efforts among governments, mobile network operators, and international organisations to overcome those barriers and extend mobile connectivity to remote and underserved regions.

The Chief Regulatory Officer at the GSMA, John Giusti, said, “Despite continued progress in expanding the reach of network infrastructure and increasing mobile internet adoption, significant digital divides remain.

“Collaboration among governments, international organisations, and the mobile industry is essential to addressing barriers such as affordability, digital skills, and awareness of the mobile internet and its benefits. This effort must also focus on investing in local digital ecosystems and ensuring robust online safety frameworks.”