2022-11-10-GSMA-2022年移动互联网报告（英文版）_73页_11mb

Summary of "The State of Mobile Internet Connectivity 2022"

Core Content

This report provides an in-depth analysis of global mobile internet connectivity trends from 2014 to 2021, with a special focus on low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). It highlights the progress made in expanding access, the challenges that remain, and the disparities between different demographic and geographic groups. The report is based on data from the GSMA Consumer Survey and the GSMA Mobile Connectivity Index (MCI), which together offer a comprehensive view of the mobile internet landscape.

Main Findings

• Global Mobile Internet Adoption: By the end of 2021, 55% of the world's population used mobile internet, representing 4.3 billion people, an increase of 300 million from 2020.
• Growth in LMICs: The majority of growth in mobile internet adoption has come from LMICs, with half of the population in these countries now using mobile internet.
• Coverage Gap: 5% of the global population (400 million people) still lacks mobile broadband coverage, and this gap has reduced by only 1 percentage point per year since 2018.
• Usage Gap: 40% of the global population (3.2 billion people) live within the footprint of a mobile broadband network but do not use mobile internet. This usage gap is now almost eight times the size of the coverage gap.
• Affordability and Skills: These are the two greatest barriers to mobile internet adoption. While data affordability has improved, the cost of entry-level smartphones remains a challenge, especially for the poorest 20% of the population, where a smartphone represents 54% of monthly income.
• Digital Divide: There are significant disparities in connectivity based on gender, geography, and income. Women in LMICs are 16% less likely to use mobile internet than men, and rural populations are 33% less likely to use it than urban ones.
• Smartphone Growth: Smartphone connections now exceed basic or feature phone connections in all regions. In 2021, smartphones accounted for 73% of total mobile connections globally, with Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia showing the highest growth rates (20% annually).
• Least Developed Countries (LDCs): Only 20% of the population in LDCs used mobile internet in 2021, compared to 55% in other LMICs. The rural-urban gap is particularly pronounced in LDCs, with rural populations 50% less likely to use mobile internet than urban ones. The gender gap in LDCs is also wider, with women 42% less likely to use mobile internet than men.

Key Trends and Insights

• Internet Use for Social and Economic Benefits: Mobile internet is increasingly used for education, healthcare, and financial services, with 38% of users accessing it for educational purposes at least once a week in 2021.
• Impact of the Pandemic: The pandemic accelerated the importance of mobile internet, but it also widened existing inequalities, especially affecting the poorest 40% of the population, those with low education, and women.
• Regional Disparities: Sub-Saharan Africa has the largest coverage and usage gaps, while South Asia and East Asia and Pacific saw the biggest increases in mobile internet adoption. Brazil accounted for over a third of connectivity gains in Latin America and the Caribbean.
• Adult Connectivity: When considering only adults aged 18 and above, 70% used mobile internet by the end of 2021, compared to 55% when considering the total population. The usage gap among adults is 25%, and the coverage gap is 4%.
• Smartphone Penetration: In 2021, smartphones accounted for 48% of mobile connections in Sub-Saharan Africa and 27% in South Asia. These regions are still the most reliant on basic phones.

Recommendations and Challenges

• Infrastructure Development: Continued investment in infrastructure is needed, especially in rural and LDC areas, where coverage and usage gaps are the most significant.
• Affordability and Skills: Addressing affordability and improving digital literacy are critical to closing the usage gap.
• Policy and Partnerships: Collaboration between governments, the mobile industry, and development organizations is essential to ensure equitable access and reduce the digital divide.

Methodology and Data Sources

• The report uses data from the GSMA Consumer Survey and the GSMA Mobile Connectivity Index (MCI), which tracks 42 indicators across 170 countries.
• Data is updated annually and includes information from mobile operators, regulators, and national statistics agencies.
• The report differentiates between total population and adult-only connectivity to provide more accurate insights into real internet users.

Conclusion

The global mobile internet landscape has seen significant progress, but challenges remain in ensuring equitable access and usage. The focus on LMICs, particularly LDCs, highlights the need for targeted interventions to bridge the digital divide and improve connectivity for underserved populations.