By the end of 2023, 4.6 billion people were using mobile internet – an increase of 160 million over the year. This is similar to the growth in 2022 but represents a slowdown compared to previous years and significant digital divides persist.
The ‘usage gap’ – the population covered by a mobile broadband network but not using the internet – remains large at 3.1 billion people (39% of the global population). Meanwhile, with continued network expansion, the ‘coverage gap’ – the population not living within mobile broadband coverage – marginally closed to 350 million people (4% of the global population). Digital divides also persist among the connected. Most mobile internet users use it daily, but usage is often limited to only one or two activities, and many say they want to use it more.
In order to unlock further growth, we must understand the challenges to digital inclusion and what can be done to drive further progress. Closing the digital divides will bring substantial social and economic benefits.
In this session, co-authors Matthew Shanahan and Kalvin Bahia shared the key findings from this year’s ‘The State of Mobile Internet Connectivity Report’, followed by fireside discussions with experts from two mobile operators, moderated by Kim Viljoen, Market Engagement Director of Connected Society and Connected Women at the GSMA.
Watch the full recording to learn more about the evolving connectivity landscape in low- and middle-income countries, the barriers people face to both mobile internet adoption and to regular and diverse use of mobile internet and the significant opportunities in closing the usage gap.