Advancing digital societies in Asia

GSMA is today publishing a report that underscores the role mobile connectivity plays in building digital societies across Asia and how policymakers can support the development of digital ecosystems across the region.

Connecting the still unconnected populations across Asia remains one of the major challenges facing both the mobile industry and policymakers over the coming years. Globally, more than 3 billion people are accessing the internet using mobile devices and therefore directly benefiting from and contributing to the digital economy. However, more than 4 billion people remain offline, unable to participate in digital services. Overall mobile penetration rates in Asia Pacific continue to lag the global average, as the region contains a number of populous but relatively underpenetrated markets.

The report focuses on the digital society initiatives underway in seven Asian countries – Australia, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Japan, Pakistan, Singapore and Thailand. Each market is assessed on its levels of connectivity, digital citizenship, digital lifestyle and digital commerce. These markets are grouped into three categories (emerging, transition and advanced), reflecting the diverse nature of the region. The report highlights how digital policy in Asia plays a crucial role in regional development, both in terms of helping define and promote forward-looking national digitisation agendas, and in supporting a harmonised, cross-border approach to regional issues. The analysis makes specific recommendations to policymakers on how to move up the digital society value chain.