Benefits of mobile Internet yet to be realised

The GSMA, a global organisation unifying the mobile ecosystem, has released its ‘State of Mobile Internet Connectivity 2024’ report outlining that 43% of the world population still do not use mobile Internet despite annual increases

According the GSMA, 160mn people started using mobile Internet last year, meaning that 4.6bn people are now using mobile Internet on their own device. This was a similar level to 2022 levels but was a drop from 2015-2021 increases when more than 200mn new users were added per year.

350mn people (4% of the population) live in largely remote areas without mobile Internet on their own device while 3.1bn (39%) live within mobile Internet coverage but do not make use of it. According to the research – that was funded by the UK FCDO and Sida – the biggest challenge remains the usage gap.

Getting these people online would be worth an estimated US$3.5 trillion to the global economy between 2023-2030, and this would largely benefit low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). To achieve this, an estimated US$418bn in investment is needed to build the required infrastructure to achieve universal mobile Internet access.

An unconnected Africa?

Sub-Saharan Africa was the least connected region in 2023, reported the GSMA. Only 27% of the population are using mobile Internet services, leaving a 13% coverage gap and a 60% usage gap.

For unconnected LMICs, the GSMA reports that device affordability and digital skills and literacy are the main barriers to adoption. In such regions, entry-level internet-enabled devices cost 18% of average monthly income. However, in sub-Saharan Africa this rises to 99% of average monthly income for the region’s poorest 20%.

Another challenge can be found in meaningful connectivity. An average of 43% of mobile Internet users in surveyed countries reportedly wanted to use it more. The most commonly reported barriers included safety and security concerns, affordability and connectivity experience.

In addition, one in five mobile Internet subscribers are still making use of 3G smartphones or a feature phone despite the onset of 4G and 5G. In sub-Saharan Africa, this climbs to almost two-thirds of users, a problem that has a limiting effect on the range and depth of online and digital experience among users.

“Despite continued progress in expanding the reach of network infrastructure and in increasing mobile Internet adoption, significant digital divides remain,” commented John Giusti, chief regulatory officer at the GSMA. “Collaboration among governments, international organisations and the mobile industry is essential to addressing barriers such as affordability, digital skills, and awareness of the mobile internet and its benefits. This effort must also focus on investing in local digital ecosystems and ensuring robust online safety frameworks.”

While there is clearly much work that needs to be done on the continent, that is not to say there are not significant efforts being made to connect the population, as exemplified by Nokia’s recent initiative to build a 5G mobile core network.