Two billion people remain offline despite global internet growth, says ITU

Details: Manny Pham; Category: Regulation; 04 November 2026; 254 views

An estimated 6.3 billion people, or 76% of the world's population, are using the internet in 2026, but around two billion remain unconnected, according to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

The figure represents an increase from 6.1 billion users (74%) in 2025. However, the latest edition of the ITU's Facts and Figures report highlights persistent gaps in internet access between countries and population groups.

Internet use stands at 93% in high-income countries, compared with just 32% in low-income countries. The disparity is also reflected in mobile network coverage: while 97% of the world's population lives within reach of at least a 3G network, 5G coverage ranges from 86% in high-income countries to only 4% in low-income countries.

ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin said expanding connectivity and making it meaningful for everyone was increasingly important as artificial intelligence creates new opportunities in areas such as education and employment.

The report also highlights differences in internet use by gender, age and location. Globally, 79% of men use the internet, compared with 74% of women. Internet use among people aged 15 to 24 stands at 86%, against 74% for the rest of the population.
The urban-rural divide is also narrowing, although 82% of urban residents use the internet compared with 63% in rural areas.

Affordability and skills remain barriers

Mobile phone ownership stands at 84% globally among people aged 10 and over, but ranges from more than 95% in high-income countries to 57% in low-income countries.
Differences in usage also remain pronounced. Average monthly mobile broadband traffic per subscription is 20GB in high-income countries, almost six times the 3.4GB recorded in low-income countries.

The global median price of a data-only mobile broadband basket (an ITU economic metric) has fallen to 1.2% of gross national income (GNI) per capita, while fixed broadband costs 2.3%. However, affordability remains a significant obstacle in poorer markets.

Landlocked developing countries and small island developing states met the widely recognised target of keeping mobile broadband costs below 2% of GNI per capita for the first time in 2026. In least developed countries, however, the median cost remains at 6.1%.

The ITU also found that three in 10 economies fail to meet the 2% affordability target for either fixed or mobile broadband.

Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, director of the ITU's Telecommunication Development Bureau, said expanding access must be accompanied by efforts to improve digital skills so that people can make use of online services and emerging technologies.

The ITU argues that affordable connectivity and digital skills will be increasingly important as AI reshapes economies, with existing gaps risking leaving poorer countries and underserved communities behind.