International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has released Facts and Figures 2025, offering a detailed assessment of global Internet growth, digital divides, and the quality of connectivity.
The ITU report highlights steady progress in bringing more people online while underscoring persistent inequalities in access, affordability, and digital skills. Here is a comprehensive summary in three sets of ten key points each.
1. Global Connectivity Growth – Top 10 Summary Points
The world’s online population expanded by over 240 million people in 2025, reflecting strong ongoing momentum in digital adoption.
An estimated 6 billion people now use the Internet globally, up from 5.8 billion in 2024.
Despite progress, 2.2 billion people remain offline, though this has improved from 2.3 billion last year.
Three-quarters of the world’s population is now connected, but quality and equality of access vary widely.
ITU stresses that Internet connectivity is essential for daily life, economic participation, and access to emerging technologies such as AI.
The report highlights the need for robust digital infrastructure to support meaningful connectivity for all users.
Affordability gaps remain a barrier for many low-income communities, limiting their ability to come online.
Skills training is identified as a core requirement to bridge the digital divide and improve digital inclusion.
The report notes that universal connectivity depends on both access and the ability to use the Internet effectively and safely.
ITU leaders call for global cooperation and targeted investments to ensure inclusive digital growth.
2. Quality of Connectivity and Technology Trends – Top 10 Summary Points
ITU estimates the total number of 5G subscriptions for the first time – reaching nearly 3 billion users.
5G now accounts for approximately one-third of all mobile broadband subscriptions worldwide.
In 2025, 5G networks cover around 55 percent of the world’s population, showing rapid technological expansion.
Coverage remains uneven, with 84 percent of high-income country populations enjoying 5G access compared to only 4 percent in low-income countries.
Although 4G and 3G services reach most regions, these technologies are less suited for advanced applications reliant on speed and reliability.
The report highlights a clear quality gap – users in high-income countries generate nearly eight times more mobile data than those in low-income countries.
This disparity reflects differences in service affordability, network capacity, and availability of advanced devices.
Increasing coverage alone is not enough – connectivity must deliver high quality to enable digital transformation.
The report links meaningful connectivity to speed, reliability, and the ability to use the Internet for education, work, and innovation.
Sustainable investments in next-generation networks are crucial to narrowing the quality gap across countries.
3. Digital Divides, Affordability and Skills – Top 10 Summary Points
ITU identifies persistent divides based on income level, gender, age, and location.
Internet use reaches 94 percent of people in high-income countries but only 23 percent in low-income countries.
Nearly 96 percent of those still offline reside in low- and middle-income countries.
A gender gap remains, with 77 percent of men online compared to 71 percent of women.
Urban connectivity reaches 85 percent, significantly higher than the 58 percent recorded in rural areas.
Young people aged 15 to 24 are the most connected demographic, with 82 percent online versus 72 percent for the rest of the population.
Affordability challenges persist – data-only broadband plans remain unaffordable in roughly 60 percent of low- and middle-income countries.
Most users possess basic online skills, but advanced digital capabilities such as safety awareness, content creation and problem-solving are developing slowly.
Limited skills and high prices prevent billions from taking full advantage of digital technologies.
ITU urges targeted investment in skills development, affordable services, and strong data systems to achieve meaningful universal connectivity.
Shafana Fazal
