Internet Users Surge Past 6 Billion, Yet Digital Divide Worsens

URGENT UPDATE: The global number of Internet users has surged past 6 billion, according to a new report from the International Telecommunication Union. Despite this milestone, the digital divide remains alarmingly wide, with 2.2 billion individuals still completely disconnected from the Internet as of December 2, 2025.

In a world where 240 million new users went online this year, stark disparities persist. The report reveals two distinct realities: while some users enjoy seamless streaming and effortless online shopping, billions are struggling to establish basic connectivity. This digital chasm predominantly affects low- and middle-income countries, where essential infrastructure and digital literacy are severely lacking.

The findings underscore a critical need for investments in robust networks, affordable services, and comprehensive digital skills training to address this inequality. Mobile technology is advancing rapidly, boasting 3 billion 5G subscriptions globally, yet actual coverage remains inconsistent. Wealthier nations enjoy widespread access, while low-income countries often lack even basic service.

Data usage patterns highlight this disparity further. Users in high-income regions consume significantly more mobile data than their counterparts in poorer countries. For the 6 billion individuals online, simply having access does not equate to being truly digitally included. Despite a drop in mobile internet costs, many in low- and middle-income nations still find mobile broadband prohibitively expensive.

Moreover, the majority of Internet users possess only basic digital skills, such as sending emails or opening documents, lacking the ability to create content or protect themselves online. Advanced skills are growing but at a disappointingly slow rate, leaving many vulnerable to ongoing digital exclusion.

The report also exposes critical socio-economic factors influencing access, revealing that income, gender, and geographic location closely correlate with connectivity. Men are still more likely to have internet access than women, urban dwellers are better connected than those in rural areas, and younger generations are far more active online than older individuals.

As a result, those who are economically, geographically, or socially marginalized face the highest risk of being left behind in the digital age. The International Telecommunication Union emphasizes that reliable data is essential for shaping effective policies on digital inclusion, paving the way toward universal connectivity.

With these urgent developments, the world stands at a crossroads. Policymakers, businesses, and communities must act swiftly to bridge this digital divide and ensure that every individual can participate fully in the digital economy. What happens next will be crucial in determining the future of global connectivity and inclusion.