Page 4 - Measuring digital development The affordability of ICT services 2024

Foreword

I am pleased to present the 2024 edition of this annual publication on
the affordability of ICT services. Based on the most comprehensive and
authoritative global dataset on consumer prices for connectivity services,
developed and maintained by the International Telecommunication
Union (ITU), this report offers timely insights into where we stand and
the challenges that remain.

This edition’s findings highlight important progress: in 2024, mobile
broadband services have become more affordable in most regions
and for most income groups, and a growing number of countries are
meeting the Broadband Commission’s target of entry-level broadband
services costing less than 2 per cent of monthly GNI per capita. These gains reflect the efforts
of governments, regulators, and industry to expand access and reduce cost barriers.
Yet for far too many people around the world, the cost of connectivity services continues to
account for a disproportionate share of income. This prevents them from fully participating in
the digital economy, accessing vital services, or exercising their rights in an increasingly digital
world. Fixed broadband remains largely unaffordable for vast segments of the population,
especially in low-income countries. Even where services are affordable on average, significant
gaps persist within countries, disproportionately affecting those who are already marginalized.
And as digital services become more bandwidth-intensive, affordability must be assessed not
just in terms of price, but also in relation to the quality and adequacy of the service.

At the ITU’s Telecommunication Development Bureau, we are committed to supporting our
Member States in addressing these barriers. Reliable data and rigorous analysis are essential
tools in this effort. By understanding the evolving affordability landscape, policymakers,
regulators, development partners and industry stakeholders can design more targeted and
effective interventions to drive down costs, foster investment, and expand connectivity to all.

I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the members of the Expert Group on
Telecommunication/ICT Indicators (EGTI) for their dedication and invaluable contributions.
Their expertise has been instrumental in updating and overseeing the methodology of the ICT
price baskets that underpin this work.

As we move forward, let us keep affordability at the forefront of our efforts to build inclusive
digital societies where everyone can connect, participate, and thrive.

Dr Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava
Director of the Telecommunication Development Bureau
International Telecommunication Union

ii