Global Internet Users Reach 6 Billion, 2.2 Billion Still Without Access — ITU Report

According to a recent report from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the global internet user population expanded by over 240 million in 2025, totaling six billion users.

The ITU's Facts and Figures 2025 report reveals that nearly 75% of the world's population is now connected, an increase from 5.8 billion users in 2024. Nonetheless, about 2.2 billion people continue to lack internet access, underscoring the enduring challenge of digital inequality despite observable advancements.

Doreen Bogdan-Martin, the ITU Secretary-General, emphasized the unequal distribution of access to digital technologies worldwide.

"In an era where digital technologies are integral to everyday life, it is imperative for everyone to have the opportunity to benefit from being online. The current digital divides increasingly revolve around factors like speed, reliability, cost, and skill levels," she stated.

For the first time, the report estimated that 5G subscriptions account for around one-third of the total global mobile broadband, reaching about three billion users. While 5G technology covers 55% of the world's population, access is uneven, with 84% coverage in high-income nations compared to only 4% in lower-income countries.

The ITU report also pointed out a significant gap in usage, highlighting that individuals in affluent countries consume nearly eight times more mobile data than those in poorer nations.

Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, Director of the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau, emphasized that realizing universal and meaningful connectivity necessitates ongoing investments in infrastructure, affordability, digital literacy, and dependable data frameworks.

Furthermore, the report identifies disparities influenced by income, gender, age, and geographic location, revealing that rural communities, women, and low-income nations constitute a substantial portion of those who remain offline.