{"id":4062,"date":"2021-10-04T15:16:39","date_gmt":"2021-10-04T14:16:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/telecomkh.info\/?p=4062"},"modified":"2021-10-04T15:18:30","modified_gmt":"2021-10-04T14:18:30","slug":"over-half-worlds-population-now-using-mobile-internet","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/telecomkh.info\/?p=4062","title":{"rendered":"Over half world\u2019s population now using mobile Internet"},"content":{"rendered":"

GSMA research shows 3.4 billion people do not use mobile Internet despite living in areas with mobile broadband coverage<\/strong><\/p>\n

At MWC Africa, the GSMA launched its global State of Mobile Internet Connectivity Report 2021 showing that, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, more than half of the world\u2019s population is now using the mobile internet. Mobile internet usage translates to just over 4 billion connected people, 225 million more compared to 2019, and up from a third of people globally just six years ago.
\nEven with this impressive growth in mobile internet connectivity, both in terms of mobile internet coverage and usage, the report highlights that work must accelerate to bridge the digital divide. Of the 3.8 billion people who remain unconnected, only 450 million people do not live in areas with mobile broadband coverage, (\u201cthe coverage gap\u201d). The coverage gap represents a significant improvement year on year.
\nThe far bigger challenge is the 3.4 billion people who live in areas that are already covered by mobile broadband, but are not using it, (\u201cthe usage gap\u201d).
\nThe report examines trends in the coverage and usage of mobile internet over the last six years and identifies the key barriers to mobile internet adoption. It also looks at the early impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the most significant regional effects. Finally, it makes recommendations to help close the digital divide and ensure greater access to mobile internet connectivity.
\n\u201cThe COVID-19 pandemic made clear the importance of mobile internet access to people\u2019s lives and livelihoods and has accelerated the digital transformation around the world. Mobile is the primary and often the only way to access the internet in low- and middle-income countries. While more people than ever are now using the mobile internet, some fundamental barriers stop far too many people from using mobile internet. To close this usage gap, all of us \u2013 government and industry \u2013 need to do more,\u201d says the GSMA\u2019s Chief Regulatory Officer, John Giusti. \u201cIn particular, we must address the key barriers to usage of mobile internet services, most notably literacy and digital skills, as well as affordability. Only through targeted and collaborative action can we bridge the digital divide.\u201d<\/p>\n

Coverage and usage gap in mobile internet is narrowing<\/strong>
\nDuring the last six years, the coverage gap has continued to narrow:
\n\u2022 In 2014, almost a quarter of the world\u2019s population did not have access to a mobile broadband network.
\n\u2022 By the end of 2020, that figure was only 6%.
\n\u2022 Now, 94% of the world\u2019s population has access to a broadband network, with most progress between 2014 and 2018.
\n\u2022 In 2020, global coverage increased by one percentage point, from 93% to 94%. This reduced the number of people living in areas without a mobile broadband network to 450 million. Those who remain uncovered typically live in sparsely populated rural areas with difficult terrain.<\/p>\n

The number of people using mobile internet has also increased for the second year in a row:
\n\u2022 However, the usage gap remains large and accounts for the majority of the unconnected.
\n\u2022 In 2020, 3.4 billion people (43% of the world\u2019s population) lived within the footprint of a mobile broadband network but were not accessing mobile internet services.
\n\u2022 Although the usage gap is narrowing, it is now seven times larger than the coverage gap.
\n\u2022 In 2014, the usage gap accounted for 64% of the total unconnected population \u2013 this figure grew to 88% by 2020 due to the increase in mobile broadband coverage.
\n\u2022 Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) now account for almost 93% of the world\u2019s unconnected population and more than 98% of the uncovered population.
\n\u2022 Between 2019 and 2020, the most significant increase in mobile internet usage is in East Asia (61%), which grew by 4%.<\/p>\n

Barriers to mobile internet usage<\/strong>
\nThe pandemic has highlighted the importance of mobile internet connectivity to the social and economic well-being of people around the world. People with mobile internet access were able to stay connected with friends and family, conduct business, gain access to critical information and services, and otherwise ease the monotony of lockdown life. Yet 47% of the population in LMICs are still not using the mobile internet despite living within mobile broadband network coverage.<\/p>\n

Key barriers include:
\n\u2022 Lack of awareness of mobile internet and its benefits, literacy, and digital skills make up the largest barrier to adoption. Nearly a quarter of adults across the report\u2019s surveyed countries are not aware of mobile internet and its benefits.
\n\u2022 Affordability: internet-enabled handsets and data became less affordable in many LMICs in 2020 due to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.<\/p>\n

These barriers often disproportionately affect specific segments of the population, especially people living in rural areas and women.<\/p>\n

A Collaborative Approach<\/strong>
\nThe global climate challenge shows that mobile connectivity can be a lifeline for people during crises, re-emphasising the importance of doing more to improve access to mobile services. The only way to close the digital divide is through a strong collective effort to address people\u2019s barriers to accessing and using mobile internet. It requires targeted action by all stakeholders including mobile operators, policymakers, government and the broader private sector.
\nThis report is the output of a project funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida). The views expressed are not necessarily those of either organisation.<\/p>\n

Above, woman in Pakistan \/ Image credited to the GSMA – Press Room<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

GSMA research shows 3.4 billion people do not use mobile Internet despite living in areas with mobile broadband coverage At MWC Africa, the GSMA launched its global State of Mobile Internet Connectivity Report 2021 showing that, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, more than half of the world\u2019s population is now using the mobile internet. Mobile internet … <\/p>\n

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