GSMA’s annual State of the Mobile Internet study highlights a rapid shift in global connectivity. As of the latest estimates, billions now own smartphones, with ownership surpassing half of the world’s population. This milestone reflects the central role mobile devices play in everyday life, work, and access to information. The number of internet users continues to grow, and a large portion of them connect primarily through smartphones. A substantial minority still relies on basic handsets to reach online services, underscoring divergent access patterns across regions.
Across the globe, overall internet adoption remains high in areas with strong cellular coverage, yet a significant digital gap persists. While a large share of the world’s population lives within reach of cellular networks, connectivity remains uneven. In many communities, especially in parts of Africa and South Asia, a sizable portion of people still lacks affordable, reliable internet access. Meanwhile, in other regions there is widespread coverage, but speed and quality vary considerably depending on infrastructure and population density.
Quality of connection and network speed show pronounced regional differences. In North America, parts of East Asia and the Pacific Rim, a large majority of smartphone users enjoy 4G or better networks. In contrast, several markets in Africa and the Middle East continue to rely more on older generation networks, where speeds can be slower and reliability can vary. These gaps influence how people access digital services, streaming, and real-time communication, and they often shape the choices businesses make when delivering mobile experiences.
Regulatory and policy actions also intersect with these trends. For example, the European Union has conducted inquiries related to misinformation across digital platforms. Such investigations underscore the ongoing emphasis on platform responsibility, digital literacy, and user protection as mobile internet access expands worldwide. Stakeholders from policymakers, industry, and civil society continue to debate how best to balance innovation with safeguards to ensure trustworthy online ecosystems.
Understanding the current landscape helps illuminate where access is expanding and where barriers remain. It also highlights the importance of improving network infrastructure, lowering costs for users, and supporting inclusive digital skills so that more people can participate in the connected economy. As networks evolve with 5G and beyond, the potential for faster, more reliable mobile internet grows, but thoughtful investments and policy alignment are needed to close the remaining gaps and to make sure gains are shared broadly across regions and communities.