For more than 30 years, I have been closely following annual telecommunications statistics we used them in our international telecommunications reports. For decades, these were provided by Ericsson, and later by the International Telecommunication Union (the oldest UN organisation, established in 1865!). Over the past two decades, the scope of these statistics has broadened, encompassing not just telecommunications but the entire field of digital communications.
According to the latest data, global Internet connectivity is on the rise, with an estimated 5.5 billion people online in 2024—a testament to the rapid expansion of digital access. Yet, beneath these encouraging numbers lies a troubling disparity. About one-third of the world’s population remains offline, predominantly in low-income and rural areas. The International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) Facts and Figures 2024 provides a stark reminder: while connectivity increases, digital inequities persist, leaving millions without access to the education, employment, and information opportunities the Internet provides.
Australia, often celebrated for its technological progress, mirrors this global dichotomy. Despite high overall connectivity, gaps remain, particularly between urban and rural regions, illustrating the persistent challenge of achieving universal and meaningful connectivity.
Two Digital Realities: global and local perspectives
Globally, Internet access is closely tied to wealth. In high-income nations, 93% of the population is online, while only 27% of people in low-income countries have access. The situation is similarly challenging in the least developed countries (LDCs), where just 35% are connected. Australia’s statistics reflect its status as a high-income nation, with 94.9% of its population online—a rate that surpasses the global average of 68%.
However, Australia’s urban-rural divide mirrors global trends. While urban centres boast near-universal access, only 48% of rural Australians are connected. Globally, the rural-urban disparity is even starker, with 83% of urban dwellers online compared to just 48% of rural residents. These figures highlight the disproportionate challenges faced by those in remote regions.
Barriers to connectivity
Affordability remains a global and local barrier. Globally, fixed-broadband subscriptions cost nearly a third of the average monthly income in low-income countries. Similarly, in Australia, broadband access remains a financial hurdle for low-income households. Despite its high connectivity rates, Australia’s rural communities face slower rollouts of technologies like 5G, exacerbating the digital divide. Globally, while 5G covers 84% of high-income countries, it reaches only 4% of low-income regions.
Additionally, while the world moves toward gender parity in Internet use, disparities persist. Globally, 70% of men and 65% of women use the Internet. In Australia, gender gaps are less pronounced but still visible, particularly among older demographics where digital literacy initiatives could help bridge the divide.
Bridging the gap
Australia has made commendable efforts to address these challenges. Initiatives like the School Student Broadband Initiative, offering free Internet to 30,000 needy families, and community-wide Wi-Fi programs connecting 100 Aboriginal communities, exemplify the kind of targeted interventions needed globally. These programs not only provide access but also combat social isolation and inequality.
To address this requires urgent action. Internationally, investments in infrastructure, affordability initiatives, and digital literacy programs must be prioritised. Locally, Australia can continue to lead by addressing rural connectivity gaps, promoting digital literacy, and ensuring Internet affordability for all.
The path forward
The statistics tell a tale of two digital realities: one of progress and opportunity for the connected, and one of exclusion and stagnation for the offline. Bridging this divide is not just a matter of technology but of equity and inclusion. Whether globally or within Australia, achieving universal and meaningful connectivity is a moral, social, and economic imperative.
The time to act is now. Together, we can ensure that the Internet—a cornerstone of modern life—is accessible to all, fostering a future where no one is left behind in the digital age.
Paul Budde