What is hindering the global adoption of mobile internet?

Overview of the global mobile internet connectivity landscape in 2024

In recent years, although the number of mobile internet users on personal devices has continued to increase, the growth rate is slowing down. Compared to the period from 2015-2021, when more than 200 million new mobile internet users were added each year, this number has decreased significantly in the last two years, with only about 160 million new users added annually.

A recent research report, funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) through the GSMA Mobility for Development Fund, has painted a detailed picture of the status of mobile internet access and usage globally.

This report highlighted several major obstacles hindering the increased use of mobile internet, particularly in rural areas and developing countries. It also emphasized the need for collaboration among governments, mobile network operators, and international organizations. The report revealed that 4.6 billion people (57% of the global population) currently use mobile internet on personal devices.

Specifically, the report shows that 350 million people (4% of the global population) live in remote areas without mobile internet coverage (coverage distance), and 3.1 billion people (39% of the global population) have access to mobile internet but do not use it (usage distance). The usability distance is nine times greater than the coverage distance, indicating a significant gap between accessibility and actual usage.

Notably, the region with the lowest connectivity globally is Sub-Saharan Africa, where only 27% of the population uses mobile internet service, indicating a coverage gap of 13% and a usability gap of 60%.

Barriers to the global adoption of mobile internet.

The report suggests that the biggest challenge is how to connect those who currently lack internet access. If this is achieved, the global economy could gain approximately $3.5 trillion between 2023 and 2030. Notably, the majority of these benefits (around 90%) would go to low- and middle-income countries.

Mobile internet coverage is concentrated mainly in rural, mountainous, and island areas, where socio-economic conditions are challenging, the population is sparse, and the terrain is rugged. In these areas, telecommunications infrastructure is limited, and the deployment of BTS stations faces many technical and cost obstacles.

To address this situation, a massive investment of approximately $418 billion is needed to build and upgrade the network system, ensuring that all citizens have access to the Internet. This investment not only requires significant capital but also close coordination among government agencies, telecommunications companies, and international organizations.

In lower- and middle-income countries, the adoption of mobile internet remains challenging, particularly for low-income individuals.

The biggest barrier is affordability for the device and internet access costs. In these countries, a basic smartphone with internet access typically costs 18% of the average monthly income. This figure becomes even more alarming for the poorest 20% of the world, who spend up to 51% of their monthly income on a similar device.

In sub-Saharan Africa, the situation is even more dire, with the poorest 20% of the population spending almost their entire monthly income (up to 99%) on a basic smartphone.

A lack of digital skills and technological literacy is a second major barrier to mobile internet adoption, particularly in Asian countries. Many people, especially older adults and those in rural areas, struggle to use mobile devices and basic applications. They don't know how to search for information, conduct online transactions, or participate in social networks.

Furthermore, the lack of relevant, localized content and services is also a significant concern. Many online applications and platforms do not support local languages ​​or cultures, making them difficult for users to access and utilize. Approximately 43% of mobile internet users expressed a desire to use the internet more for more complex activities, such as online learning, remote work, or participating in online communities. This demonstrates the need for meaningful connectivity and genuine digital inclusion among the population.

The most common barrier preventing users from increasing their use of mobile internet is concern about the safety and security of personal information. Many people fear being hacked, having their information stolen, or becoming victims of online scams.

Affordability is also a major barrier, especially for mobile data plans and the cost of purchasing smartphones. In many countries, the cost of mobile data remains quite high relative to average per capita income, limiting internet usage for many people.

Connection quality also significantly impacts the user experience. While the majority of people worldwide have switched to 4G or 5G smartphones, a significant portion, particularly in developing countries, still use 3G or basic mobile phones. This results in slow internet access speeds, unstable connections, and limitations on using bandwidth-intensive online services.

In Latin America & the Caribbean and the Middle East-North Africa region, more than one-third of mobile internet users still use 3G phones or feature phones. This figure is even higher in Sub-Saharan Africa, reaching nearly two-thirds. This indicates that the quality of network infrastructure and access to modern devices remain significant challenges in these regions.

John Giusti, Managing Director at GSMA, affirmed that removing barriers such as cost, digital skills, and awareness of mobile internet is crucial for everyone's access to digital technology. To achieve this goal, close collaboration between governments, network operators, and international organizations is essential to invest in digital infrastructure and enhance cybersecurity, thereby promoting economic development and improving people's quality of life.