While connectivity continues to grow across the globe over 3.45 billion people representing 43% of the global population still lack access to mobile internet, according to a study by the mobile industry trade group, GSMA.
According to GMSA’s “State of Mobile Internet Connectivity 2024” report, this digital divide is most pronounced in Sub-Saharan Africa, which holds the title of the least connected region globally with only 27% of the population using mobile internet services, leaving a 13% coverage gap and a 60% usage gap.
“Sub-Saharan Africa remains the region with the lowest connectivity levels and largest coverage gap. Connectivity is highest in Southern and Western Africa at around 30%, and lowest in Central Africa at 19%. Central Africa also has the largest coverage gap, at 34%. Eastern Africa has the largest usage gap within the region, at 68%,” authors of the GSMA report say.
GSMA: Affordability remains major barrier for mobile internet
Several factors contribute to this digital divide. Affordability remains a major barrier, especially in low-income countries. In Sub-Saharan Africa, an entry-level smartphone can cost up to 99% of the average monthly income for the poorest 20% of the population, the GSMA study found.
A lack of digital skills and literacy also hinders internet adoption, particularly among women and rural populations. In LMICs, adults in rural areas are 28% less likely than those living in urban areas to use mobile internet, and women are 15% less likely than men to use mobile internet, the report highlights.
The type of device used to access the internet also impacts the quality of the online experience. GSMA reports that “while the vast majority of people worldwide now access the internet on a 4G or 5G smartphone, one in five mobile internet subscribers are still using 3G smartphones or a feature phone. This reaches more than a third in Latin America & the Caribbean and MENA and almost two thirds in Sub-Saharan Africa, limiting the range and depth of online and digital experience among users.”
Several factors contribute to this digital divide. Affordability remains a major barrier, especially in low-income countries. In Sub-Saharan Africa, an entry-level smartphone can cost up to 99% of the average monthly income for the poorest 20% of the population, the GSMA study found.
To close the usage gap, GSMA estimates that it could add “$3.5 trillion to the global economy during 2023-2030, with 90% of this impact benefiting low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).”
“While progress continues to be made in improving infrastructure and in increasing mobile internet adoption, significant digital divides exist,” John Giusti, Chief Regulatory Officer at the GSMA.
“In addition, although most users access mobile internet daily, their activities are often limited to just one or two activities, even though many express a desire to do more. This highlights persistent barriers – affordability, lack of skills and literacy, concerns around safety and security and a lack of relevant content and services – that prevent users from getting online and then using mobile internet to meet their life needs once they are online.”
GSMA urged governments, mobile operators, and international organisations to work together to address these challenges and accelerate digital inclusion. “This effort must also focus on investing in local, digital ecosystems and ensuring robust online safety frameworks,” Giusti said.
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