Mobile internet has become the backbone of modern life, yet the latest GSMA report shows that progress is uneven. While billions enjoy fast 4G and 5G connections, hundreds of millions are still left outside the digital world entirely. The real challenge now is not just building networks but making them sustainable, affordable, and meaningful for the people who need them most. Connectivity has never been closer to universal, but the final stretch is proving to be the hardest.
The GSMA’s latest report on 'The State of Mobile Internet Connectivity 2025' paints a mixed picture of progress and persistent challenges in global mobile internet connectivity. While mobile broadband coverage has continued to expand and network quality is improving in many regions, significant gaps remain, particularly in the world’s most vulnerable communities.
As of 2025, 96% of the world’s population lives within the footprint of a mobile broadband network. However, that still leaves around 300 million people, or 4% of the global population, outside this reach. These uncovered populations are concentrated in remote, rural, and often poor areas. Many of these locations are in least developed countries (LDCs), landlocked developing countries (LLDCs), or small island developing states (SIDS), where connectivity remains logistically and financially difficult to deliver.
Sub-Saharan Africa has led the recent push in reducing the coverage gap, accounting for three quarters of the 40 million people newly brought under coverage in 2024. Central Africa in particular showed strong progress, with significant improvements in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Yet, Sub-Saharan Africa remains the region with the highest overall coverage gap at 10%.
Many of the remaining uncovered areas are not simply unconnected but lack any mobile infrastructure altogether. Around 170 million people live in such places, where the cost of deploying new infrastructure remains prohibitive. This is compounded by inflation, market volatility, and trade-related uncertainties, which have outpaced revenue growth in the mobile sector. In fragile contexts, even existing infrastructure is vulnerable to natural hazards and conflict-related disruption.
Access to reliable energy is a major bottleneck for expanding rural connectivity. Power supply challenges account for a large share of the costs involved in deploying mobile networks in remote regions. Diesel generators are commonly used where grid access is limited or unreliable, but they bring high costs, risk of theft, and environmental harm. In places like the DRC, more than 60% of new mobile sites required to close the coverage gap lie far from the grid, some over 100 kilometres away. Without extending energy infrastructure or using renewable solutions such as mini-grids, the cost of delivering mobile broadband remains unsustainable.
Investment models such as the ESCO (energy service company) and ABC (anchor business customer) approaches offer potential to support off-grid renewable energy at mobile sites. However, broader structural support is still needed. Governments can play a role by removing import duties on green energy equipment, encouraging infrastructure sharing, and streamlining approvals for energy projects.
In terms of technology coverage, 4G now reaches 93% of the world’s population, while 5G is available to 54%. India has played a central role in accelerating global 5G coverage, now exceeding 80% of its own population. However, 4G deployment is slowing as operators reach diminishing returns, and 5G remains unaffordable for many. The cost of 5G devices is still far higher than basic 3G or 4G handsets, making the digital divide more of an economic issue than a technical one in many countries.
Legacy networks are gradually being retired. By the end of 2024, 169 2G or 3G networks had been shut down across 75 countries. These sunsets are necessary to free up spectrum and reduce operational costs, but they must be balanced with the ability of users to upgrade devices affordably. The speed of transition remains uneven across regions. For example, 3G is still dominant in much of Sub-Saharan Africa.
Satellite technology is often cited as a potential game-changer for reaching the most remote areas. While direct-to-device satellite connectivity is starting to roll out, it is currently limited to text messaging and experimental services. More immediate impact is likely through satellite backhaul, especially in places where fibre or microwave backhaul is not feasible. Yet, satellite backhaul remains expensive and only addresses part of the problem. Device affordability, digital literacy, and relevant local content still stand in the way of closing the usage gap.
Data consumption is rising sharply across the globe. In 2024, global average mobile data usage per connection reached 16 GB, with LMICs showing strong growth, particularly in India. However, the average masks significant variation. In LDCs and LLDCs, monthly usage is still only 3 to 4 GB, well below global levels.
The quality of mobile internet is also improving. Average download speeds rose from 51 Mbps to 64 Mbps over the past year, although speeds in low-income regions still lag well behind those in high-income countries.
The GSMA report makes it clear that achieving near-universal mobile broadband coverage by 2030 will require a combination of innovative technologies, renewed investment, and supportive policy frameworks. Infrastructure costs must be brought down, especially in rural areas. Spectrum access should be timely and affordable. Governments and development institutions need to take a more integrated approach, recognising the link between digital access and broader goals such as energy access, education, and economic resilience.
Connectivity has come a long way, but for millions still offline, the journey is far from over. The next phase of growth must be inclusive, equitable, and sustainable, not just for the connected majority, but for those still left out.
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