To achieve universal and meaningful Internet connectivity by 2030, an investment of between US$2.6 trillion and US$2.8 trillion may be necessary, according to the Connecting Humanity Action Blueprint unveiled today by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the Communications, Space & Technology Commission (CST) of Saudi Arabia.
The report outlines the challenges, anticipated costs, and collaborative strategies required to ensure that everyone, including the estimated one-third of the global population currently offline, can access the Internet.
Most of the required investment—between USD 1.5 trillion and USD 1.7 trillion—focuses on essential infrastructure. Additional funding is crucial for developing human and institutional capacity, particularly in low-income countries.
“Digital connectivity creates pathways to education, job opportunities, and access to essential services that can elevate lives and communities,” said ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin. “While substantial resources are necessary to connect everyone meaningfully, these investments will foster a thriving digital future for all.”
According to ITU, approximately 2.6 billion people remain disconnected from the digital realm, with connectivity levels closely tied to socio-economic development. By 2024, it is projected that 93 per cent of individuals in high-income countries will be using the Internet, in stark contrast to just 27 per cent in low-income regions.
This recent report builds upon the ITU’s initial Connecting Humanity study, commissioned under Saudi Arabia’s G20 presidency in 2020, which identified critical gaps and the associated costs of closing them.
“The world needs between US$2.6 trillion and US$2.8 trillion to connect humanity by 2030. This new estimate is nearly five times the amount identified in our previous 2020 assessment,” stated H.E. Eng. Haytham AlOhali, Acting Governor of CST. “This significant rise emphasises the urgent need for international collaboration, collective investment, and expertise sharing to realise the vision of universal meaningful connectivity.”
Digital Infrastructure—US$1.5 trillion to US$1.7 trillion: The largest expense of expanding broadband networks to underserved communities is the cost of deploying fibre networks in urban areas, 4G fixed wireless in rural locations, and satellite services in the most remote areas.
Affordability—US$983 billion: Lowering the costs of smartphones and broadband services, both fixed and mobile, is crucial to ensuring that individuals, particularly in low-income regions, can afford connectivity.
Digital Skills – US$152 billion: Connectivity is just the first step; users also need the skills to navigate the Internet effectively. Large-scale digital literacy initiatives empower individuals to pursue online education, enhance their job prospects, and actively participate in a digital society.
Policy and Regulation—US$600 million: Updating regulations and establishing predictable policy environments are necessary for unlocking efficiencies and fostering innovation. While this represents the smallest cost category, it significantly hampers digital transformation and perpetuates existing gaps.
The Connecting Humanity Action Blueprint underscores the uneven progress in global connectivity, with the 46 least-developed countries facing significant challenges due to financial constraints, technical limitations, and unreliable infrastructure.
To overcome these barriers, the ITU advocates for innovative business strategies and renewed partnerships among governments, the tech industry, development finance institutions, and civil society to close existing divides and prevent future ones, particularly in critical areas such as artificial intelligence (AI).
The report offers recommendations for enhancing digital inclusion globally, such as utilising schools as conduits for Internet access, prioritising energy infrastructure in Africa, and improving data collection at the sub-national level.
