The world’s online population surpassed six billion in 2025, growing by over 240 million users compared to 2024, according to the latest International Telecommunication Union Facts and Figures 2025 report. This means roughly three-quarters of the global population are now connected, while 2.2 billion people remain offline, highlighting persistent digital divides despite steady progress.
Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary-General of ITU, emphasized that access to digital technologies is increasingly essential for daily life. She noted that current digital divides are defined not just by access, but by speed, reliability, affordability, and ss, leaving many populations disadvantaged.
The report also shows that 5G subscriptions now account for about one-third of global mobile broadband connections, reaching approximately three billion users. While 5G coverage extends to 55 percent of the world’s population, disparities remain stark 84 percent in high income countries versus just four percent in low-income nations.
Significant inequalities in data consumption were also revealed, with high-income countries consuming nearly eight times more mobile data than low-income countries. Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava highlighted that achieving universal and meaningful connectivity will require sustained investment in infrastructure, affordability, digital ss, and reliable data systems.
The report further points to demographic gaps, with rural communities, women, youth, and low-income countries disproportionately represented among those remaining offline. These disparities underscore the ongoing challenge of making digital access equitable and inclusive globally.
Leave a comment