The coalition will work to improve access to affordable internet-enabled devices to close the “Usage Gap” which holds three billion people worldwide from maximising their potential in the global digital economy.

The GSMA will continue to facilitate close collaboration between coalition members to share learnings, and assess and deploy tailored innovative models that can narrow the usage gap.

According to GSMA, mobile remains the primary—and often only—way people in low-and middle-income countries (LIMCs) access the internet, accounting for 84% of broadband connections in 2023.

Yet three billion people—38% of the world’s population—live in areas covered by mobile internet but do not use it due to barriers, including digital literacy and skills, lack of relevant content, online safety and access.

Handset affordability is often recognised as the biggest barrier to online accessibility.

The new coalition will assess multiple “levers” to reduce the cost of entry into the digital economy for low-income populations, with particular focus on LMICs and areas where handset affordability presents the highest barrier to getting online, such as in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.

By exploring new solutions including “de-risking” financing mechanisms, with the support of the World Bank Group, the coalition will enhance and complement ongoing efforts to expand digital access and affordability.

“Mobile has helped billions of people worldwide to play an active role in our increasingly digital world, but the cost of entry can still be too high for many on low incomes. Together with global mobile operators, and the support of the World Bank Group and other key coalition members, we’re determined to act on this issue,” says GSMA director general Mats Granryd.

“By building creative solutions to bring mobile internet into the hands of those who need it the most, we believe we can make real strides towards closing the Usage Gap and help millions more maximise their potential by getting online.”

“Making internet connected devices more affordable is critical to accelerating digitalization in developing countries and ensuring no one is left behind. We’ve seen the power of digital technologies to unlock growth and job creation and to ease access to education and health services, but people must first be connected to make this a reality. This coalition brings together key players across industry and the development community to help bring this aspiration to life,” states World Bank vice president for infrastructure Guangzhe Chen.

“In an age of unimaginable digital opportunities, devices are still out of reach for too many. With the 2025 Broadband Commission affordability target on the horizon, this new global coalition is an excellent complement to the work of the Commission’s Working Group on Smartphone Access. It has the power to accelerate affordability and bring us one step closer to universal meaningful connectivity, a cornerstone of ITU’s mission and our digital future,” says ITU secretary general Doreen Bogdan-Martin.