The GSM Associations’ 2023 Mobile Internet Connectivity Report estimates that 55% of the world’s population, or 4.3 billion people, possesses a smartphone.
The number of mobile internet consumers stands at 4.6 billion, of which 4 billion utilize smartphones to access various services.
The GSMA analysis shows considerable regional differences in mobile internet access. In East Asia, the Pacific, and North America, 69% of smartphone owners use 4G. Each third mobile subscriber in Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and North Africa uses 3G internet.
Mobile internet usage is growing exponentially, yet 3.4 billion people still lack access. According to the GSMA, 38% of the world’s population resides in areas with untapped mobile broadband.
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In South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, 59% and 52% of the populations are separated.
The report also showed that 600 million people—8% of the world—use feature phones to access the internet.
Poor digital literacy, competency, safety concerns, and a lack of relevant information restrict smartphone users from fully using them for internet access.
GSMA Director General Mats Granryd stressed that billions of people lack access to services and income-generating opportunities owing to connectivity issues. This effect is most noticeable among economically challenged, low-educated, rural, and female users.
Moreover, Granryd emphasized the increased susceptibility of these demographics to escalating difficulties, including climate-induced crises and escalating living expenses. As a result, he advocated for immediate measures to expedite the process of digital inclusion and eliminate obstacles, in an effort to avert the proliferation of the digital divide.
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