The International Telecommunication Union has reported that global internet connectivity has grown; however, the digital divide still persists.
In the report, ITU stated that 5.5 billion people will be online in 2024, an increase of 227 million from the previous year, and 68%, or 2.6 billion people—nearly one-third of the world’s population—remain offline.
However, the ITU’s Facts and Figures 2024 report highlights a persistent digital divide, particularly in low-income countries, where Internet access poses significant challenges.
The ITU emphasizes the stark contrast in Internet connectivity between high-income and low-income countries. While 93% of people in high-income nations are online, only 27% of the population in low-income countries have Internet access.
“This report illustrates two digital realities,” said ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin. “The most vulnerable populations are being left behind, missing out on education, employment, and essential information.”
Bogdan-Martin added, “True progress in our interconnected world isn’t just about speed, but ensuring everyone moves forward together.”
The ITU report identifies several critical gaps in connectivity:
– Urban vs. Rural divide: Internet usage is significantly higher in urban areas (83%) compared to rural regions (48%). Among the 2.6 billion offline individuals, 1.8 billion live in rural areas.
– Gender gap: While 70% of men globally use the Internet, only 65% of women are online. This gap remains particularly pronounced in least-developed countries.
– Youth connectivity: Younger individuals, particularly those aged 15–24, are more likely to be online, with 79% in this age group having Internet access, compared to 66% of the general population.
– Affordability: Despite decreasing costs, affordability remains a significant barrier to Internet access in low-income countries, where a fixed broadband subscription can cost nearly a third of the average monthly income.
– Mobile phone ownership: Mobile phone ownership stands at 80% globally among those aged 10 and above. However, in low-income countries, only 56% own a mobile phone, compared to more than 95% in high-income countries.
– 5G access: Global 5G coverage reached 51% in 2024, but only 4% of people in low-income countries have access to 5G, compared to 84% in high-income countries.
– Internet traffic Disparities: The average monthly mobile broadband traffic in high-income countries is eight times higher than in low-income nations.
Director of ITU’s Telecommunication Development Bureau, Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, stressed the need for swift action to close the digital divide.
“The world is inching toward universal access when it should be sprinting,” Zavazava said. “We must accelerate efforts to eliminate barriers and ensure universal, meaningful connectivity for all.”
Nigeria, with a population of over 200 million, had 132 million active mobile Internet connections as of September 2024, according to data from the Nigerian Communications Commission.
However, this figure includes multiple connections per individual, suggesting the actual number of Nigerians with Internet access may be below 100 million.
The Nigerian government has acknowledged the country’s significant connectivity gap and is undertaking a nationwide fiber optic project to lay an additional 90,000 kilometers of fiber cables to improve Internet access across the country.
