The Internet has quietly become one of the most powerful forces shaping modern life. It influences how we learn, work, communicate, and solve problems on a global scale. According to the International Telecommunication Union’s Facts and Figures 2025, around 6 billion people—nearly three-quarters of the world’s population—are now connected to the Internet. Just ten years ago, that number was closer to 3.2 billion.
That kind of growth is worth celebrating. It means billions more people now have access to information, economic opportunities, and digital services that can improve quality of life. Yet, these numbers also highlight a reality we can’t ignore: 2.2 billion people are still offline. For them, the Internet’s benefits remain out of reach. Education, healthcare resources, digital jobs, and global communication are still limited or unavailable. This gap shows how much work remains if we truly want the Internet to be for everyone.
A World That’s Connecting—But Not at the Same Pace
Globally, Internet usage has grown steadily, rising from 53.9% in 2019 to 73.6% in 2025. On the surface, that looks like strong, healthy progress. But global averages often hide uncomfortable truths. When you look closer, it’s clear that some regions are racing ahead while others are struggling to keep up.
Africa is a clear example. Internet use on the continent has grown from roughly 24% in 2019 to 35% in 2025. That increase represents real momentum, driven by mobile technology and local innovation. Still, Africa remains the least-connected region in the world, far behind the global average. Millions of people remain unconnected, especially in rural and low-income areas.
By contrast, the Americas are edging closer to universal Internet access. Usage there has climbed from 76% in 2019 to 88% in 2025. Strong infrastructure, competitive markets, and more affordable broadband have made a significant difference. However, even in these regions, the last groups to connect are often the hardest to reach—people living in remote communities, low-income neighborhoods, or underserved rural areas.
Income Inequality Drives the Digital Divide
Income levels play a major role in determining who gets online. In high-income countries, more than 94% of people are connected in 2025, up from 87% just a few years ago. These countries benefit from reliable infrastructure, widespread device ownership, and higher levels of digital literacy.
The picture changes dramatically in least developed countries (LDCs), where only about one-third of the population is online. In these regions, the barriers are complex and interconnected. Infrastructure may be limited, Internet services are often expensive, electricity access can be unreliable, and many people lack the digital skills needed to go online confidently. These challenges reinforce existing economic inequalities and make it harder for LDCs to fully participate in the global digital economy.
The Digital Gender Gap Still Matters
Internet access also varies by gender. Globally, 77% of men are online compared to 71% of women. While this difference might not seem dramatic at first glance, it translates into tens of millions of women who are excluded from digital spaces and opportunities.
The gender gap is widest in regions with lower connectivity, such as Africa and LDCs. Women in these areas often face additional barriers, including lower income, limited access to education, cultural expectations, and safety concerns. Closing the digital gender divide is not just about fairness—it’s about unlocking economic growth, improving education outcomes, and empowering entire communities.
Why Access Alone Is No Longer Enough
Today, being “connected” doesn’t automatically mean being empowered. The conversation is shifting toward meaningful connectivity, which looks at how reliable, fast, affordable, and useful an Internet connection actually is.
The ITU’s data illustrates this clearly. There are roughly 3 billion 5G subscriptions worldwide, yet access is highly uneven. In high-income countries, 84% of people can use 5G, while in low-income countries, that figure drops to just 4%. This gap affects far more than download speeds. It determines whether people can access advanced digital services like telemedicine, online education platforms, cloud-based tools, and digital entrepreneurship opportunities.
In other words, the digital divide is no longer just about who is online—it’s about who can truly benefit from being online.
Affordability and Skills Remain Major Obstacles
Even when Internet infrastructure exists, cost remains a major challenge. The ITU estimates that mobile broadband is still unaffordable in 60% of low- and middle-income countries. For many families, paying for data or devices means sacrificing other basic needs.
Digital skills are another critical piece of the puzzle. Many new users struggle with basic online tasks, and even fewer have access to training in areas like cybersecurity, online safety, content creation, or problem-solving. Without these skills, Internet access alone doesn’t translate into better opportunities or improved livelihoods.
How the Internet Society Is Helping Bridge the Gap
The data reflects what many organizations see on the ground: lasting connectivity solutions must be local, inclusive, and sustainable. The Internet Society focuses on approaches that address real community needs rather than one-size-fits-all solutions.
Community-Centered Connectivity
In remote and underserved areas, community networks have proven to be one of the most effective ways to expand access. These networks are built and operated by local communities, giving people ownership and control over their digital future. They work especially well in rural areas and LDCs, where large providers may not invest.
Strengthening Internet Exchange Points
Internet Exchange Points help keep local Internet traffic local. This reduces costs, improves speeds, and makes networks more resilient. Regions with growing Internet adoption, particularly in Africa, benefit greatly from strong local interconnection.
Building Digital Skills and Technical Knowledge
Connectivity only matters if people know how to use it. Training programs that focus on technical and digital skills help communities deploy, maintain, and grow their own Internet infrastructure. These efforts also create local expertise and long-term sustainability.
Supporting Open and Inclusive Policies
Policy decisions can either accelerate or slow Internet growth. Open, community-focused policies that support infrastructure investment, spectrum access, and affordability are essentialespecially in low-income countries where Internet use remains limited.
Looking Ahead: Turning Progress Into Inclusion
The ITU’s 2025 figures show that the world has made real progress in connecting people. But they also remind us that access alone is not enough. Millions remain offline, and many more lack the quality of connectivity needed to fully participate in digital life.
Moving toward universal and meaningful Internet access requires more than technology. It calls for affordable services, digital skills, inclusive policies, and community-driven solutions. When these pieces come together, connectivity becomes more than a statistic—it becomes a powerful tool for opportunity, innovation, and shared progress.
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