Universal Internet access by 2030 will require a massive investment of $2.8 trillion, according to a new report from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The ITU, a UN agency, released the “Connecting Humanity Action Blueprint” in collaboration with the Communications, Space & Technology Commission (CST) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The report highlights the significant financial and logistical challenges of connecting the estimated 2.6 billion people who are still offline.
The blueprint breaks down the total investment needed to achieve universal meaningful connectivity, with the largest portion going to physical infrastructure.
- Digital Infrastructure ($1.5 to $1.7 trillion): This is the largest single cost, covering the expansion of broadband networks, including fiber optic cables for urban areas, 4G fixed wireless for rural regions, and satellites for the most remote locations.
- Affordability ($983 billion): A significant chunk of the investment is needed to make devices like smartphones and broadband services affordable, particularly in low-income countries where connectivity is currently out of reach for many.
- Digital Skills ($152 billion): Simply having access to the internet isn’t enough. This investment will fund large-scale digital literacy initiatives to ensure people have the skills to use the internet effectively for education, jobs, and social participation.
- Policy and Regulation ($600 million): Although the smallest cost, modernizing global policy and regulatory environments is crucial to promoting innovation and unlocking efficiencies that can help close the other gaps.
The report notes that progress in connecting the world has been uneven, with least-developed countries facing significant barriers. ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin emphasized that this investment is essential for creating a “prosperous digital future for all.”
H.E. Eng. Haytham AlOhali, Acting Governor of CST, highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting that the estimated cost has nearly quintupled since a similar assessment in 2020. This dramatic increase underscores the need for international cooperation and collective investment from governments, the tech industry, and other organizations. The blueprint recommends innovative business models and public-private partnerships to close the digital divide and ensure that no one is left behind in a world increasingly powered by technology.