As the world becomes increasingly digital, mobile internet continues to transform lives and businesses, especially in underserved regions. The 2024 State of Mobile Internet Connectivity Report by the GSMA highlights both progress and persistent challenges in mobile internet adoption globally.
This article delves into the report’s key findings, shedding light on the dynamics shaping mobile connectivity and its potential to drive economic growth and social inclusion.
Global Progress in Mobile Internet Adoption
By the end of 2023, 57% of the global population—4.6 billion people—were using mobile internet on their devices. However, growth in mobile adoption has plateaued, with 160 million new users added in 2023, mirroring the increase in 2022. Notably, over 90% of this growth came from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where the majority of the unconnected population resides.
This trend underscores the critical role LMICs play in expanding connectivity and highlights the unique barriers they face in bridging the digital divide.
Coverage vs. Usage: A Persistent Gap
The disparity between network availability and usage remains stark. While 96% of the global population lives within mobile broadband coverage, 3.1 billion people—39% of the world’s population—are still not utilizing it. This “usage gap” dwarfs the “coverage gap” of 4%, which primarily affects 350 million people in remote, sparsely populated areas.
Alarmingly, two-thirds of those not using mobile internet within covered areas lack access to a mobile phone, further emphasizing the need for affordable devices and targeted interventions to boost adoption.
Regional Disparities and Socioeconomic Barriers
Sub-Saharan Africa continues to grapple with the widest coverage and usage gaps. In LMICs, adults in rural areas are 28% less likely to use mobile internet than their urban counterparts, while women are 15% less likely to be connected than men.
Barriers such as affordability, literacy, and digital skills remain significant. The cost of an entry-level internet-enabled handset accounts for 18% of an average monthly income in LMICs and a staggering 99% for the poorest 20% in Sub-Saharan Africa.
This financial hurdle disproportionately affects women, who spend 24% of their income on entry-level devices compared to 12% for men, further exacerbating the gender gap in mobile internet adoption.
The Rise of 4G and 5G, But Gaps Remain
While 4G has reached near-universal coverage levels, network investment continues to shift toward 5G deployment. By the end of 2023, global 5G connections exceeded 1.5 billion. However, more than 100 countries—80% of which are LMICs—are yet to roll out 5G services.
Despite progress, average download speeds remain significantly lower in LMICs, where speeds hover below 20 Mbps compared to nearly 100 Mbps in high-income regions.
Unlocking Economic Potential
Bridging the digital divide isn’t just a moral imperative—it’s an economic opportunity. The report estimates that closing the usage gap could add $3.5 trillion to global GDP between 2023 and 2030, with 90% of this growth benefiting LMICs.
Notably, addressing the gender gap in mobile internet usage alone could contribute $1.3 trillion in additional GDP during the same period.
Pathways to a Connected Future
The report offers actionable recommendations to accelerate mobile internet adoption:
- Affordable Devices and Data Plans: Reducing costs of entry-level handsets and data remains crucial, particularly in LMICs.
- Digital Literacy Initiatives: Investing in education to enhance literacy and digital skills can empower individuals to make the most of connectivity.
- Policy Interventions: Governments and private sector players must work together to create supportive regulatory environments that drive innovation and investment.
- Gender-Inclusive Strategies: Targeted initiatives to address the unique barriers faced by women can significantly narrow the usage gap.
Conclusion
The 2024 State of Mobile Internet Connectivity Report serves as both a progress report and a call to action. As mobile internet continues to evolve, its potential to transform lives, economies, and societies remains immense. However, realizing this potential requires a concerted effort to address the barriers preventing billions from joining the digital revolution.
By prioritizing inclusivity, affordability, and education, stakeholders can ensure that no one is left behind in the journey toward a connected world.
For more insights, visit GSMA’s official report page.
