Page 102 - SAMENA Trends - October-December 2024

REGULATORY & POLICY UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

ITU: Global Internet Users Hit 5.5 billion, Digital Divide Persists

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) stated that 227 estimated to reach over half (51%) of the global population this
million new people connected to the internet for the first time year, but “significant disparities” persist between high- and low-
in 2024, bringing the total number of connected people to over income countries. While 84% of people in high-income nations
5.5 billion. This figure accounts for 68% of the global population, are covered by 5G, only 4% have access in low-income countries.
meaning that a third of the world’s population (2.6 billion) remains The average monthly mobile broadband traffic per subscription
offline as the “stubborn digital divide persists,” the ITU stated in high-income nations (16.2 GB) is eight times higher than
in its Facts and Figures 2024 report. For comparison, in 2023, in low-income economies (2 GB). “While we continue to make
there were 2.8 billion unconnected people, equivalent to around progress on connectivity, our advances mask significant gaps in
35% of the population. ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan- the world’s most vulnerable communities, where digital exclusion
Martin (pictured) said the figures highlight “a tale of two digital makes life even more challenging. We must intensify our efforts to
realities between high-income and low-income countries.” “Stark remove the barriers that keep people offline and close the usage
gaps in critical connectivity indicators are cutting off the most gap. We must renew our commitment to achieving universal and
vulnerable people from online access to information, education, meaningful connectivity so that everyone can access the internet,”
and employment opportunities. This report is a reminder that true added Zavazava.
progress in our interconnected world isn’t just about how fast we
move forward, but about making sure everyone moves forward
together,” Bogdan-Martin added. “The world is inching towards
universal access at a time when it should be sprinting,” said
Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, Director of ITU’s Telecommunication
Development Bureau. The report found that 70% of men used the
internet in 2024 compared to 65% of women, a gap of around
189 million. However, progress is being made towards achieving
gender parity. Affordability is improving, with the cost of fixed
broadband in low-income countries now equating to nearly a
third of average monthly income. Around four out of five people
aged over 10 own a mobile phone, but this is more prevalent in
high-income countries—where 95% of those over 10 possess a
mobile phone—compared to just 56% in low-income markets. A
more significant divide exists between urban and rural dwellers,
with 83% of urban residents using the internet compared to only
48% of rural inhabitants. Of the 2.6 billion people who remain
unconnected, 1.8 billion live in rural areas. Coverage of 5G is

Satellite Communications to Improve Connectivity in Remote Areas

Despite the significant progress made on superfast and gigabit- infrastructure costly and impractical. The UK Space Agency is
capable broadband, certain remote and rural locations across the working closely with the Department for Science, Innovation
UK still face challenges where satellites offer the only practical and Technology (DSIT) and the European Space Agency’s (ESA)
solution for connectivity. These areas, often characterized telecommunications research program to help close the digital
by difficult terrain and sparse populations, make traditional divide. The new funding call aims to select partners for three
projects focused on delivering future satellite services. One of
these projects will provide portable gigabit-capable internet
speeds, with terminals designed to be mounted on vehicles to
improve connectivity for users such as local authorities, farmers,
emergency services, and the events and hospitality sector. In two
specific rural and remote islands in Shetland and Northern Ireland,
two other projects will test innovative hybrid networks to see if
they could be used to support further locations unable to connect
to traditional networks. This improved connectivity will support
education, research, tourism, conservation, local businesses, and
healthcare, enhancing the economy and quality of life in very hard
to reach places.

102 OCT-DEC 2024