The State of Mobile Internet Connectivity 2019
This insight is open to all subscribers and registered users, or available by completing the form.
In 2018, almost 300 million people connected to mobile internet for the first time, bringing the total connected population to more than 3.5 billion people globally. For many of these individuals, mobile is the only method of accessing the internet, so growth in mobile internet adoption also drives digital inclusion, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
Mobile internet connectivity is not, however, equitable; just over 40% of the LMIC population are connected, compared to almost 75% of the population in high-income countries. More than half the world’s population are therefore still unable to realise the social and economic benefits that mobile internet can enable.
This report accompanies the fourth annual update of the GSMA Mobile Connectivity Index – a tool that measures the performance of 165 countries (representing 99% of the global population) against the key enablers of mobile internet adoption: infrastructure; affordability; consumer readiness; and content and services. Key findings from the Index are analysed in this report alongside other relevant data sources, including the GSMA Intelligence Consumer Survey 2018.
Report details
The State of Mobile Internet Connectivity 2019
Download the report
Complete the form to get instant access to this content. For easier access in the future, you can register for a free account here.
By submitting this form, you agree that your email address and related activity on the platform will be processed for the purpose of generating and providing the requested report. Your data will be shared with GSMA Intelligence for this purpose. For more information, please see the GSMA Intelligence Privacy Policy.
Report details
The State of Mobile Internet Connectivity 2019
Download the report
Complete the form to get instant access to this content. For easier access in the future, you can register for a free account here.
By submitting this form, you agree that your email address and related activity on the platform will be processed for the purpose of generating and providing the requested report. Your data will be shared with GSMA Intelligence for this purpose. For more information, please see the GSMA Intelligence Privacy Policy.
Related research
DTW Ignite 2026: the core strikes back
With network and service automation a hallmark of the TM Forum’s work, there was never any doubt as to the predominant theme at this year’s DTW Ignite event in Copenhagen. While AI is impacting nearly every aspect of telecoms networks and services, a key question was how this would be reflected in the event’s keynotes, launches and meetings. Agentic AI played a significant role in this year’s messaging – but, more surprisingly, core network automation garnered outsized attention.
The Mobile Economy China 2026
China’s mobile ecosystem is entering a new phase as large-scale 5G deployment gives way to more intelligent, differentiated and resilient digital infrastructure. In 2025, mobile technologies and services generated $1.5 trillion in economic value, equivalent to 7.2% of GDP, while supporting employment, fiscal revenues and economy-wide digital transformation.
Mobile quality of service and market status: Saudi Arabia case study
Saudi Arabia is a leading country in digital transformation, with mobile connectivity playing a central role in supporting economic growth, innovation and Vision 2030. This study assesses Saudi Arabia’s mobile quality of service (QoS) and market status in a global context, with a focus on digital infrastructure benchmarking, 5G development, public policy, QoS obligations and alignment with international best practice.
Authors
How to access this report
Annual subscription: Subscribe to our research modules for comprehensive access to more than 200 reports per year.
Enquire about subscriptionContact our research team
Get in touch with us to find out more about our research topics and analysis.
Contact our research teamMedia
To cite our research, please see our citation policy in our Terms of Use, or contact our Media team for more information.
Learn more- 200 reports a year
- 50 million data points
- Over 350 metrics
How can we support you?
Get in touch
Contact the GSMA Intelligence support team for help with your account, subscriptions, or access to reports and insights.
Newsletter
Subscribe to the GSMA Intelligence newsletter for the latest industry news and insights, delivered to your inbox.