The global online population has reached an unprecedented six billion people in 2025, marking a significant milestone where approximately three-quarters of humanity now has internet access. This surge, detailed in the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) latest 'Facts and Figures 2025' report, saw an increase of over 240 million new users within a single year.
The Expanding Digital Frontier, Yet Billions Left Behind
While the monumental growth from 5.8 billion users in 2024 to six billion showcases remarkable progress in global connectivity, the report simultaneously casts a spotlight on the persistent digital chasm. A staggering 2.2 billion individuals remain offline, highlighting that universal access remains an elusive goal.
ITU Secretary-General, Doreen Bogdan-Martin, underscored the evolving nature of this divide. “In a world where digital technologies are essential to so much of daily life, everyone should have the opportunity to benefit from being online,” she stated. “Today’s digital divides are increasingly defined by speed, reliability, affordability, and skills.”
5G's Rise: A Tale of Two Worlds
The report also introduces a first-time estimation of 5G's burgeoning influence. This advanced mobile broadband technology now accounts for roughly one-third of all global mobile broadband subscriptions, connecting approximately three billion users worldwide. However, the reach of 5G is far from equitable.
Despite covering 55 per cent of the global population, access starkly differs between nations. High-income countries boast an impressive 84 per cent 5G coverage, while low-income nations lag dramatically, with only four per cent of their populations having access. This disparity is further evidenced by mobile data consumption, where users in affluent countries consume nearly eight times more data than their counterparts in low-income regions.
Bridging the Digital Chasm: A Unified Approach
Addressing these profound inequalities will necessitate concerted efforts. Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, Director of the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau, emphasized that achieving 'universal and meaningful connectivity' demands comprehensive, sustained investment across several critical areas:
- Sustained investment in robust digital infrastructure.
- Measures to enhance the affordability of internet services and devices.
- Development and promotion of essential digital skills across all demographics.
- Establishment of reliable data systems to inform policy and progress.
The 'Facts and Figures 2025' report ultimately reinforces that the digital divide is not merely about presence online, but about quality of access, affordability, and the ability to leverage digital tools effectively. Gaps linked to income, gender, age, and geography remain pronounced, with rural populations, women, and those in low-income countries disproportionately constituting the offline population. The journey towards truly inclusive global connectivity continues to be a formidable challenge demanding urgent global collaboration.