GSMA’s Latest Report Reveals A Grand Total of 4.3 Billion Smartphone Users
The GSMA, a prominent industry association representing mobile operators worldwide, recently published its annual State of Mobile Internet Connectivity report. This edition of the report provides valuable insights into the current state of mobile internet usage around the globe, with particular attention to the types of devices utilized for this purpose.
GSMA: 4.3 Billion Smartphone Users Worldwide
One of the key findings of the report is the breakdown of mobile internet usage by device type. For the first time, the GSMA categorized mobile internet users based on their choice of devices. The results were illuminating, with nearly 4 billion out of 4.6 billion individuals using mobile internet services at the end of 2022 opting for smartphones. The remaining segment of users relied on feature phones.
The report highlights that while the global mobile internet penetration rate stood at 57 percent, reflecting a growth from 55 percent at the close of 2021, this growth rate has somewhat decelerated. A noteworthy trend was that more than 75 percent of new mobile internet adopters in 2022 were from low- and middle-income countries.
The GSMA’s assessment also revealed that mobile internet coverage remained relatively stable over the course of 2021, with approximately 95 percent of the global population residing in areas with network coverage. However, those without access to connectivity were primarily situated in rural and sparsely populated regions.
One persistent challenge emphasized in the report is the existence of a usage gap. This gap signifies the discrepancy between individuals who have network coverage but do not utilize it. The GSMA found that, despite this gap narrowing, around 23 percent of people aged 18 and above do not use mobile internet, even though they are covered by a mobile broadband network. An interesting observation is that a significant portion of this group does not own a mobile phone.
As digital inclusivity remains a critical concern in the realm of mobile connectivity, the GSMA has prioritized this matter in its upcoming event, MWC Kigali 2023. Scheduled to be held from October 17 to October 19, this conference is poised to address the challenge of bridging the digital divide and ensuring that mobile internet accessibility is more evenly distributed across global populations. Stay tuned for further developments in this arena.
Pokdepinion: The GSMA’s insights and initiatives continue to shape the landscape of mobile internet connectivity, reflecting the ever-evolving trends and challenges in the digital age. While it’s hard to see from a personal perspective, it’s interesting to see the bigger picture in these kinds of instances.
