Mobile’s impact on the SDGs in Europe
In Europe, mobile networks are increasingly ubiquitous and can reach more locations than other technologies. Moreover, mobile internet subscriber penetration is high, allowing users to access a range of life-enhancing services.
Over 70% of mobile users in Europe use their devices for video calls, mobile financial services or searching for information. European operators are also making significant strides on SDG 13: Climate Action. Between 2019 and 2022, operational emissions per connection fell by more than half in the region, with several operators achieving reductions of more than 80%.64
With 4G penetration peaking in 2022, the transition to 5G in Europe creates new opportunities to broaden mobile’s impact on the SDGs, particularly when it comes to accelerating digital transformation among enterprises. However, European markets are not currently showing the same levels of 5G adoption reported by leading markets in Asia Pacific, the GCC states and North America. The challenge for operators in Europe is funding the investments needed to roll out 5G networks, with the European market characterised by fragmentation and lower ARPU levels than global peers.
SDG mobile impact scores, Europe
Source: GSMA Intelligence
Key drivers of SDG mobile impact scores
Mobile broadband coverage and penetration, Europe
Source: GSMA Intelligence
| 2015 | 2023 | 2015 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mobile broadband coverage (% of total population) | 590 million | 600 million | 97% | 99% |
| Mobile penetration (% of total population) | 450 million | 530 million | 74% | 87% |
| Mobile internet penetration (% of total population) | 330 million | 470 million | 54% | 78% |
Mobile usage by activity, Europe
Source: GSMA Intelligence
| Use cases | 2015 | 2023 | 2015 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Search for information | 380 million | 470 million | 84% | 89% |
| Read news | 360 million | 470 million | 81% | 88% |
| Use social media | 350 million | 440 million | 78% | 83% |
| Make video calls | 270 million | 420 million | 70% | 79% |
| Buy goods or services | 270 million | 410 million | 61% | 78% |
| Watch videos | 230 million | 390 million | 51% | 74% |
| Use mobile financial services | 140 million | 370 million | 36% | 74% |
| Access government services/ information | 140 million | 350 million | 32% | 67% |
| Access health services/ information | 120 million | 330 million | 27% | 63% |
| Manage or pay bills | 70 million | 330 million | 15% | 61% |
| Access information to support training, learning or education | 120 million | 260 million | 27% | 50% |
| Access information to help with work or job | 110 million | 260 million | 25% | 49% |
| Use agricultural services | 50 million | 120 million | 11% | 22% |