Global Connectivity Report 2025: Bridging the Digital Divide

The ITU Global Connectivity Report 2025, unveiled at the closing of the World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC-25) in Baku, Azerbaijan, provides an in-depth analysis of the evolution of global connectivity. This milestone report reveals how connectivity has transformed from a scarce commodity in 1994 to an indispensable foundation of today’s digital economy, with nearly 6 billion users anticipated to be online by 2025. At its core, the report outlines the ambitious goal of Universal and Meaningful Connectivity (UMC), examining six crucial dimensions: Quality, Availability, Affordability, Devices, Skills, and Security.

Bridging Persistent Digital Divides

Despite significant advancements, the report highlights pressing challenges in addressing global digital inequalities. Currently, approximately 74% of the world is online, yet 2.2 billion people remain disconnected due to structural barriers. These include high connectivity costs, limited access to affordable devices, and insufficient digital skills. The report also sheds light on digital divides exacerbated by income disparities, gender gaps, and geographical challenges, particularly in underserved regions.

To tackle these issues, ITU Member States have established the Baku Action Plan, a four-year roadmap aiming to close these divides by 2029. This strategic plan focuses on implementing regulatory reforms, improving affordability, and fostering demand-side enablers to ensure connectivity translates into effective digital usage for all.

Infrastructure and Technology: A Strategic Pillar

The report underscores the pivotal role of robust network infrastructures, such as submarine cables, satellite constellations, and high-capacity backbones, in supporting UMC objectives. It emphasizes coordinated investment in resilient infrastructure to enhance redundancy, security, and scalability. Additionally, integrated planning across terrestrial, subsea, and space-based networks is crucial to advancing global connectivity frameworks.

Strengthening national data ecosystems also plays an essential role in driving digital inclusion and informed policy-making. By improving data collection, governance, and analytics capabilities, countries can monitor progress across UMC dimensions more effectively and develop evidence-based telecom policies aligned with market and technology dynamics.

From Policy to Action: A Call for Collaboration

The report advocates for international collaboration among stakeholders, from policymakers to technology providers, to overcome connectivity challenges. It calls for addressing high connectivity costs and ensuring broader access to affordable devices. Moreover, the report highlights the importance of fostering digital literacy and mitigating online risks such as misinformation and security threats.

As we approach 2025, achieving universal and meaningful connectivity requires a concerted effort to balance technological advancements with inclusive and sustainable policies. The ITU’s Global Connectivity Report stands as both a roadmap and a call to action for creating a more connected and equitable digital world.