Story perspectives

3.1 Billion Lack Mobile Access: Affordable Devices Needed

9/12/2025

Summary

Story summary

The GSMA's 2025 report highlights the "Usage Gap," noting 3.1 billion people have mobile coverage but do not use it, mainly due to high device costs and digital illiteracy.
A $30 smartphone could enable 1.6 billion offline individuals to access mobile internet, stressing the need for affordable devices.
In Sub-Saharan Africa, women are 29% less likely to connect to mobile internet than men.
Recommended actions include device subsidies, digital literacy programs, and public-private partnerships to improve access.
The ITU estimates a $2.6 to $2.8 trillion investment is necessary for universal connectivity by 2030, focusing on infrastructure in developing nations.

History

Historical Context

In 2015, the United Nations adopted the Sustainable Development Goals to promote equitable access to technology. At that time, the International Telecommunication Union reported that 3.9 billion people lacked internet access, underscoring the digital divide. Today, disparities persist, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, where women face significant barriers to mobile internet access, highlighting the need for infrastructure investments to achieve universal connectivity by 2030.

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Story summary

The GSMA's 2025 report highlights the "Usage Gap," noting 3.1 billion people have mobile coverage but do not use it, mainly due to high device costs and digital illiteracy.
A $30 smartphone could enable 1.6 billion offline individuals to access mobile internet, stressing the need for affordable devices.
In Sub-Saharan Africa, women are 29% less likely to connect to mobile internet than men.
Recommended actions include device subsidies, digital literacy programs, and public-private partnerships to improve access.
The ITU estimates a $2.6 to $2.8 trillion investment is necessary for universal connectivity by 2030, focusing on infrastructure in developing nations.

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