By Juliet Umeh
As global connectivity surges, an estimated 5.5 billion people, 68 percent of the world’s population, are now using the Internet in 2024, according to the Facts and Figures 2024 report by the International Telecommunication Union, ITU.
However, this progress reveals a stark duality: while high-income countries boast near-universal connectivity, 2.6 billion people, primarily in low-income regions, remain offline.
The ITU, a United Nations agency specializing in information and communication technologies (ICTs), underscores that these persistent digital divides threaten global development goals. ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin stated:
“Stark gaps in critical connectivity indicators are cutting off the most vulnerable people from online access to information, education, and employment opportunities.
“True progress isn’t just about how fast we move forward but ensuring everyone moves forward together.”
Connectivity gaps: A tale of inequality
The Facts and Figures 2024 report reveals a strong correlation between a country’s development level and its internet adoption:
High-income countries: 93% of people are online.
Low-income countries: Only 27% of people have internet access.
Least Developed Countries (LDCs): 35% are connected.
Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs): 39% of the population is online.
Director of ITU’s Telecommunication Development Bureau, Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, highlighted the urgency: “The world is inching toward universal access at a time it should be sprinting. Digital exclusion in vulnerable communities intensifies existing inequalities, making life even more challenging. Accelerated efforts to remove barriers and achieve universal connectivity are essential.”
Key insights from facts and figures 2024
Gender Gap Narrows: Globally, 70% of men and 65% of women are online, reducing the gap. However, progress is slower in LDCs, where disparities remain stark.
Urban vs. Rural Divide: Internet usage among urban dwellers (83%) far outpaces rural populations (48%), with 1.8 billion offline individuals residing in rural areas.
Youth Driving Connectivity: Young people aged 15–24 lead in internet usage at 79%, though the gap between generations is shrinking.
Affordability Remains a Barrier: Fixed broadband costs in low-income countries consume nearly a third of average monthly income, limiting access.
Mobile Access Widespread but Unequal: While mobile phone ownership exceeds 80% globally, it ranges from 95% in high-income nations to just 56% in low-income ones.
5G Coverage Highlights Divide: Although 5G reaches 51% of the global population, coverage disparities remain stark—84% in high-income countries versus just 4% in low-income nations.
Internet Traffic Soars: Monthly mobile broadband data usage per subscription is 16.2 GB in high-income economies, compared to only 2 GB in low-income countries.
Bridging the Gap: A call to action
The report emphasizes that achieving universal connectivity requires collaborative global action to address affordability, infrastructure, and accessibility challenges. By intensifying efforts to close these gaps, the global community can ensure the benefits of connectivity reach everyone, regardless of location or economic status.
