The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has announced that industry commitments to its Partner2Connect Digital Coalition have surpassed $82 billion, marking a major milestone in efforts to expand global Internet connectivity and bridge the digital divide.
The announcement was made by ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin during Mobile World Congress 2026, as the global telecom industry gathered in Barcelona to discuss the future of digital technologies. The updated pledge total brings the coalition closer to its $100 billion target by the end of 2026.
Partner2Connect Gains Momentum Since 2021 Launch
Launched in 2021, the Partner2Connect Digital Coalition serves as a global mobilization platform that encourages governments, private companies and civil society organizations to commit investments and projects that enhance connectivity and digital inclusion. The initiative prioritizes underserved and remote communities, where access to reliable and affordable Internet remains limited.
According to ITU estimates, 2.2 billion people worldwide are still offline, lacking access to opportunities enabled by digital technologies such as education, healthcare, entrepreneurship and artificial intelligence. The growing financial commitments under Partner2Connect are aimed at addressing this gap and promoting universal, meaningful connectivity.
Doreen Bogdan-Martin said reaching $82 billion in pledges demonstrates the impact of collective action in unlocking life-changing opportunities for populations that remain digitally excluded.
Major Industry Investments Announced at MWC 2026
Two major telecom operators unveiled significant new commitments at MWC 2026:
Mobily pledged $1.715 billion to expand data centers, submarine cable systems, and 5G and next-generation network infrastructure. The investment aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 and aims to position Saudi Arabia as a digital hub connecting east and west. Mobily’s funding will also strengthen AI and cloud computing capabilities to support long-term national development and international collaboration.
Ooredoo Group committed $500 million to enhance submarine and terrestrial optical fibre infrastructure across the Middle East and North Africa region. The initiative is designed to boost high-capacity connectivity, reinforce cross-border digital links and enable inclusive economic growth through resilient network infrastructure.
These investments directly support ITU’s objective of ensuring affordable, reliable Internet access and equipping people with the skills to use digital technologies safely and effectively.
Over 1,000 Pledges from 149 Countries
Since its inception, Partner2Connect has secured more than 1,000 pledges from stakeholders in 149 countries. These commitments span digital infrastructure development, regulatory and policy modernization, capacity-building programs and the deployment of innovative technologies to connect hard-to-reach communities.
By allowing participants to register both new and existing projects, the coalition provides transparency and alignment around global connectivity goals, while enabling contributors to report measurable progress.
$2.6 Trillion to $2.8 Trillion Needed by 2030
Despite the momentum, ITU estimates that achieving universal and meaningful connectivity by 2030 will require between $2.6 trillion and $2.8 trillion in total investment. The organization continues to urge public and private sector stakeholders to scale up commitments through Partner2Connect to help connect the remaining quarter of the global population. Looking ahead, the ITU will focus on mobilizing additional resources, strengthening partnerships and tracking the real-world impact of pledged investments to ensure tangible outcomes for communities worldwide.