The world’s online population grew by more than 240 million people in 2025, according to Facts and Figures 2025 released today by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The new estimates confirm the continued expansion of digital connectivity and point to differences in quality that impact how users benefit from their internet usage.
Globally, it is estimated that 6 billion people, or about three-quarters of the world’s population, will use the internet in 2025, up from a revised estimate of 5.8 billion in 2024. However, 2.2 billion people remain offline, down from the revised 2024 estimate of 2.3 billion.
Overall, the report’s findings highlight the importance of digital infrastructure, affordable services, and skills training to ensure everyone can truly benefit from advancing technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI).
ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin said: “In a world where digital technology is essential to so much of our daily lives, everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of being online.” “This report highlights how today’s digital divide is defined by speed, reliability, affordability, and skill – all of which must be prioritized as we work towards our mission of universal connectivity.”
Connectivity quality issues
Facts and Figures estimates for the first time the total number of 5G subscriptions, which currently account for about a third of all mobile broadband subscriptions worldwide, or about 3 billion.
Reflecting the strong momentum in advanced mobile technologies, it is estimated that 5G networks will cover 55% of the world’s population by 2025. However, coverage remains uneven, with 84% of people in high-income countries having access to 5G, compared to just 4% in low-income countries.
Although facts and figures show that 4G and 3G services are available to most of the world’s population, these services are not optimal for keeping up with advancing technology.
The report’s estimates reveal large contrasts in the strength of their use as indicators of quality gaps. A typical user in a high-income country currently generates nearly eight times more mobile data than a user in a low-income country.
Make connections meaningful
Facts and Figures 2025 highlights that affordability and digital skills remain essential to achieving universal and meaningful connectivity. This is achieved when everyone has access to the Internet whenever and wherever they need it, with affordable and high-quality services.
Globally, the median price of the data-only mobile broadband basket has declined, but access remains unaffordable in approximately 60% of low- and middle-income countries.
Data also suggests that while most internet users have basic skills, they are lagging in developing more advanced abilities such as online safety, problem-solving, and digital content creation.
“Reliable data is the basis for effective digital policies and a shared vision to connect the world,” said ITU Telecommunications Development Director Kosmas Luckisson Zavazava.
“Achieving that vision will require sustained and targeted efforts in infrastructure, digital skills and data systems. By working together and directing resources to where the need is greatest, no one will be left behind and everyone can fully and securely benefit from the opportunities of the digital age.”
Details of the global digital divide
According to Facts and Figures 2025, digital development continues to be closely linked to economic development, gender and place.
The report highlights that some digital divides still exist.
94% of people in high-income countries use the internet, compared to just 23% in low-income countries. 96% of offline people live in low- and middle-income countries. 77% of men are online compared to 71% of women. In urban areas, 85% are online compared to 58% in rural areas. 82% of 15-24 year olds use the internet, compared to 72% of the rest of the population.
Facts and Figures 2025 provides global, regional, and income group estimates for indicators related to internet use, mobile network coverage, internet subscriptions, internet traffic, affordability, digital skills, and mobile phone ownership.
Provided by the International Telecommunication Union
Quote: Number of global internet users grows, but disparities deepen major digital divide (November 17, 2025) Retrieved November 18, 2025 from https://techxplore.com/news/2025-11-global-internet-users-disparities-deepen.html
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