Page 31 - Measuring digital development The affordability of ICT services 2024

The affordability of ICT services

Conclusion

The affordability of ICT services has generally data consumption has increased sharply, and
improved since 2018, in particular for mobile digital services have become more bandwidth-
services. Prices for all four mobile baskets have intensive. What was once considered “entry-
declined significantly, and a growing number level” is now insufficient for meaningful
of countries have reached the Broadband participation in the digital economy. In this
Commission’s 2 per cent affordability target evolving landscape, affordability must be
for entry-level broadband services. By 2024, redefined not just in terms of cost but also in
two-thirds of countries had met this benchmark relation to the adequacy of service levels.
for entry-level mobile broadband, up from just
over half in 2018. However, progress on fixed- To keep pace with these changes, EGTI plays a
broadband affordability has been slower and critical role in ensuring that the measurement
remains out of reach for many, especially in framework remains relevant. The updated
low-income countries. basket definitions agreed in 2024 and
reflected in the 2025 data collection represent
Affordability gaps remain stark, both between a necessary evolution. They account for shifting
and within countries. While the price of mobile usage patterns, technological advancements
services has dropped across all income and user expectations and will allow for a
groups, the gap between rich and poor more accurate assessment of the real cost of
countries remains wide due to slower income meaningful connectivity.
growth in lower-income economies. Within
countries, national averages often conceal As digital services become increasingly
significant disparities, with large segments of essential to economic and social inclusion,
the population still facing high connectivity ensuring that everyone can afford adequate
costs. connectivity must remain a top policy priority.

The decline in mobile-broadband prices must
also be viewed in context. Since 2020, global

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