Understanding Mobile Internet Use in Low- and Middle-Income Countries - M4D - SOMIC

A person wearing a yellow patterned top uses a mobile phone outdoors. The screen displays a social media feed with photos. Another person in a floral outfit stands nearby. The background is out of focus with earthy, reddish tones.

Understanding Mobile Internet Use in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

A look beyond adoption to examine how mobile internet is used across different countries and demographics.

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Overview Report

Trends in Mobile Internet Connectivity

Network Coverage and Infrastructure

Understanding Mobile Internet Use in LMICs

Barriers to Mobile Internet Adoption and Use

Affordability of Internet-Enabled Handsets and Data

Mobile Connectivity Index

At a glance

The fourth report in the series goes beyond mobile internet adoption to examine how people actually use mobile internet. It looks at frequency of use, the range of online activities they engage in, and the differences in use across countries and demographics.

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Why it matters

In an increasingly digital world, the ability to connect is more important than ever. However, internet access alone is insufficient. It is equally important to ensure all individuals can use it to meet their needs. This requires moving beyond looking at basic mobile internet adoption to consider the frequency and diversity of usage.

While the majority of mobile internet users access it on a daily basis, usage is often concentrated on a limited number of widely adopted use cases. Some people remain unaware of the different activities mobile internet can be used for. The frequency and diversity of mobile internet use varies across geographies and demographic groups, with certain segments less likely to fully benefit from the opportunities mobile internet can provide.

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Rural residents, women, those aged 35 and over, and those with lower literacy use mobile internet for fewer activities, even when they use mobile internet daily — a reminder that inclusion is about more than just adoption.
Matthew Shanahan, Senior Insights Manager, GSMA (report author)

Explore the chapters

A woman in a floral dress and checked shirt stands beside a stall with leafy greens, looking at her mobile. A handwritten sign is posted on the corrugated metal wall behind her. The setting appears to be outdoors or in a simple market area.

1. Frequency and diversity of mobile internet use

Most mobile internet users go online daily, but many engage in only one or two activities. This chapter explores usage patterns and differences across countries, regions and demographics.

A man stands on a wooden fishing boat between two boats on a lake, holding a mobile phone up as if searching for signal. Fishing nets and plastic containers are scattered in the boats. The water and distant shoreline are visible in the background.

2. Mobile internet use by device type

Device ownership strongly influences mobile internet use. This chapter examines how having a smartphone versus a feature or basic phone affects the frequency and diversity of usage, and how shared or borrowed devices limit access to life-enhancing services.

A woman in a colourful patterned dress and headscarf sits indoors on a bench, looking at a mobile phone. She is surrounded by bright bags, plastic buckets, and textured walls with posters and markings, suggesting a lively, modest living space.

3. Engagement levels for different mobile internet use cases

Communications, social media and entertainment continue to be the most common mobile internet activities. This chapter highlights which use cases are most widely adopted and which activities are less frequently used.

Five young men sit together on a small shelter with a rusty roof, laughing and looking at a mobile phone. Behind them are green rice fields and trees, with mountains in the distance under a blue sky. The shelter sign reads “PROJECT 2007-2010 ADMINISTRATION.”.

4. Awareness of mobile internet use cases

Understanding what can be done online is key to meaningful connectivity. This chapter looks at levels of awareness across different activities, highlighting gaps among women, rural populations, older users, and those with lower literacy.

The Connected Society programme is supported by UK International Development from the UK Government and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) and is supported by the GSMA and its members.