A significant disconnect exists in the global digital landscape as world leaders deliberate the regulation of sustainable AI innovation while over three billion individuals remain offline, according to Vivek Badrinath, director-general of the GSMA, the global industry body for mobile operators. Connecting these individuals could inject an estimated $3.5 trillion into the global economy by 2030, exceeding France’s entire GDP. This stark contrast highlights a pressing issue in connectivity, which transcends mere access to technology.
While over 96% of the global population now lives within range of a mobile broadband network, merely being in range does not guarantee connectivity. This has resulted in a widening disparity known as the “usage gap,” where billions can access mobile broadband but remain unconnected due to affordability, lack of digital skills, or insufficient relevant content. For many, true connection encompasses the ability to communicate with loved ones, access educational resources, and manage finances, rather than just speed and bandwidth.
Challenges persist even in developed nations. In the UK, approximately 7.9 million people lack the fundamental digital skills required to thrive in today’s economy, with over half of the workforce unable to complete essential tasks outlined by the government. Consequently, the global usage gap is now ten times larger than the coverage gap, impeding nearly half of the global population from fully engaging in the modern economy.
Affordability remains a critical barrier, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, where a quarter of the world’s unconnected individuals reside. In this region, the poorest 20% often face handset prices equivalent to nearly a full month’s earnings. A device priced at just $30 could potentially bring an additional 50 million people online in Sub-Saharan Africa, enabling them to access reliable mobile internet and participate in the digital economy. On a global scale, affordable smartphones could connect as many as 1.6 billion individuals.
This issue is not merely humanitarian; it represents a substantial economic opportunity, with $3.5 trillion in unrealized GDP projected for 2030, stemming from lost productivity and innovation. Moreover, it exacerbates existing inequalities affecting women, rural communities, individuals with disabilities, and those living in poverty. As essential services such as education and healthcare increasingly transition online, those lacking access become further isolated.
Technology, including AI, has the potential to bridge these gaps by enhancing network efficiency and making services more accessible in local languages. Recent research suggests that leveraging AI in Africa could lead to an economic increase of approximately $2.9 trillion by 2030. However, without connectivity, those benefits remain out of reach for many.
Badrinath warns that if action is not taken, the gaps in access and usage could solidify, creating a permanent divide between those equipped to thrive in a digital society and those left behind. Closing both the coverage and usage gaps will require concerted efforts from governments, donors, and international organizations to prioritize mobile access as a fundamental development issue.
There is also a critical need to ensure that AI models reflect the diverse languages and cultures of all individuals. Currently, the data that trains AI systems is predominantly derived from major languages in developed countries, which risks making AI less accessible to those speaking specific dialects and reinforcing biases within these systems.
The collaboration between GSMA and various global and African business leaders, branded “AI Language Models in Africa, By Africa, For Africa,” aims to address these disparities in data, resources, and policy, ensuring that African languages and cultures are integral to the global digital narrative.
As we celebrate the strides made towards closing the coverage gap, the pressing question remains: will we acknowledge the reality that true connectivity has not yet been achieved? A coordinated action plan to bridge both usage and AI gaps is essential. While we possess the networks and technology, addressing inequality, building resilience, and creating opportunities for billions must become a priority in global development efforts.
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