More than a quarter of the world has NEVER used the internet

"That is up 200 million from the 5.8 billion people using internet services in 2024. However, that leaves a shocking 2.2 billion people completely offline. According to the ITU's annual 'Facts and Figures' survey, the number of people who have never used the internet has only decreased slightly from 2.3 billion in 2024. This is despite 3G mobile networks already covering 96 per cent of the world's population."

"Despite big improvements in internet access, the report's authors found there is still a gaping 'connectivity gap' between the richest and poorest countries. In low-income countries - those where the average income is less than $1,135 (£862) per person - just 23 per cent of people are using the internet. Africa, where just 36 per cent of people have ever been online, is the area with the lowest internet use by a wide margin."

Around six billion people use the internet, an increase of 200 million from 2024, while 2.2 billion people remain completely offline. 3G mobile networks already cover 96 percent of the world's population. Ninety-six percent of offline people live in low- or middle-income countries. In low-income countries only 23 percent use the internet. Africa has the lowest internet use, with 36 percent ever online. The Arab States have 70 percent online and the Asia Pacific 77 percent. In Europe and the Americas only eight to 12 percent are not online. High-income countries have about 94 percent online.

Read at Mail Online