ITU Report Reveals 6 Billion People Online Globally, 2.2 Billion Still Offline in 2025
The world's online population expanded significantly in 2025, with more than 240 million new users joining the internet, according to the latest data from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). This growth brings the total number of global internet users to an impressive six billion, as detailed in the ITU's Facts and Figures 2025 report.
Persistent Digital Inequality Amid Steady Progress
While nearly three-quarters of the global population is now connected online, up from 5.8 billion in 2024, approximately 2.2 billion individuals remain without internet access. This stark contrast underscores the ongoing challenge of digital inequality, despite consistent advancements in connectivity worldwide.
ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin emphasized that access to digital technology continues to be unevenly distributed across different regions. "In a world where digital technologies are essential to 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 Expansion and Usage Disparities
For the first time, the ITU report estimates that 5G subscriptions now represent about one-third of global mobile broadband, reaching roughly three billion users. However, 5G coverage remains highly uneven, with 84 percent availability in high-income countries compared to a mere four percent in low-income nations.
The report also highlights significant usage gaps, revealing that users in high-income countries consume nearly eight times more mobile data than those in low-income countries. This disparity points to deeper issues beyond mere access, including the quality and utility of connectivity.
Call for Sustained Investment in Universal Connectivity
Director of the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau, Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, stressed that achieving universal and meaningful connectivity will require sustained investment in several key areas:
- Infrastructure development
- Affordability of services
- Digital skills training
- Reliable data systems
The report further identifies disparities linked to income, gender, age, and location, with rural populations, women, and low-income countries constituting a large share of those still offline. These findings highlight the multifaceted nature of the digital divide and the need for targeted interventions to bridge these gaps.
