{"id":12941,"date":"2024-07-08T13:42:41","date_gmt":"2024-07-08T12:42:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/solutions-and-impact\/connectivity-for-good\/external-affairs\/?page_id=12941"},"modified":"2026-02-17T18:23:55","modified_gmt":"2026-02-17T18:23:55","slug":"gsma-handset-affordability-coalition","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/solutions-and-impact\/connectivity-for-good\/external-affairs\/home\/gsma-handset-affordability-coalition\/","title":{"rendered":"GSMA Handset Affordability Coalition"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n
<\/span>\"Two
\n

GSMA Handset Affordability Coalition<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The GSMA Handset Affordability Coalition is a global coalition which brings together key stakeholders to advance innovative solutions to enhance handset affordability for low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) in Africa and Asia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is the Usage Gap?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Approximately 3 billion people or 38% of the global population<\/a> live in an area covered by mobile broadband but do not use mobile internet services. This is known as the Usage Gap, and it deprives individuals of access to essential information and services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mobile Access in Low- and Middle-Income Countries<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In LMICs, mobile broadband remains the primary, and often the only way, of accessing the internet. Despite widespread awareness of digital services, one of the main barriers remains the affordability and accessibility of internet-capable devices. In LMICs, entry-level mobile devices typically consume 16% of monthly incomes<\/a> on average, with this figure rising to 44% for the poorest 40% and 55% for the poorest 20% of the population<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
\n
\n

Handset affordability research<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This research by GSMA Intelligence aims to provide the mobile industry with key data and insights, focusing on cost assessments and affordability analyses, to tackle the smartphone affordability challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Download the research<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"White<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
\n
\n

The impact of financing schemes on handset access<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For many individuals, particularly those in low-income or underserved regions, the ongoing handset affordability challenge necessitates alternative approaches to ensure broader access to technology. Device financing and subsidy schemes have emerged as one of the viable solutions to bridge this gap and make digital inclusion more achievable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Download the report<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"A<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
\n
\n

Proposal for Affordable 4G Smartphones <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The GSMA, in collaboration with six of Africa\u2019s largest mobile operators, proposed a groundbreaking baseline set of requirements for an affordable entry-level 4G smartphone. The initiative is designed to accelerate digital inclusion across the continent.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read the press release<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"Close-up<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Our Mission<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Addressing handset affordability is crucial for bridging the digital divide, maximising business opportunities and empowering all people to participate fully in the global digital economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Our Approach<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

To tackle his challenge, the GSMA has formed a global coalition bringing together:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • Mobile Operators<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Device Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Device Ecosystem<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • International Organisations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Financing Institutions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    Handset affordability is not a new issue. Companies have been working for years to bring down the cost of entry-level devices. Yet, by working together, this coalition is committed to spearheading ideas and strategies to improve handset affordability and close the usage gap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Moving Forward<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The GSMA\u2019s role is to facilitate and inspire collaboration among coalition members, unlock partnerships, and develop best practices and insights for the deployment of innovative models tailored to effectively narrow the usage gap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Meet the Coalition Members<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Coalition Lead<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
    <\/div>\n \n