International Telecommunication Union releases Global Connectivity Report 2025 highlighting access challenges
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) released its Global Connectivity Report 2025 at the close of the World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC-25) held in Baku, Azerbaijan. The report analyzes the transformation of global connectivity from a limited resource in 1994 to an essential component of digital infrastructure, projecting nearly 6 billion online users by 2025.
The publication outlines operational challenges impeding connectivity expansion, including persistent disparities related to income, gender, age, and geography. It also addresses the rising exposure to online risks and environmental impacts associated with Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure. The percentage of the global population online has reached 74%, but the report identifies structural issues as primary barriers to further growth.
The report presents a framework for universal and meaningful connectivity (UMC) encompassing six interrelated factors: quality, availability, affordability, devices, skills, and security. It underscores the role of resilient network backbones, such as submarine cables and satellite networks, emphasizing coordinated investment, redundancy, security, and integrated planning across different types of infrastructure.
To address the estimated 2.2 billion people remaining offline, the ITU's 194 Member States formulated the Baku Action Plan, a roadmap extending to 2029 aimed at narrowing the identified connectivity gaps. The plan focuses on policy recommendations targeting regulatory consistency, affordability, digital literacy, and access to suitable user devices to promote effective digital inclusion.
“Digital transformation brings many socio-economic benefits including increased productivity and improved service provision,” ITU said. “However, the deficits persist due to high costs, uneven digital skills, and limited device access. Strengthening national data ecosystems for collection, governance, sharing, and analysis is necessary for effective inclusion strategies and policy development.” The report highlights that mature data capabilities and coherent digital governance frameworks are essential for monitoring progress across the UMC dimensions and adapting ICT policies accordingly.
The organizations described plans to implement coordinated investment models and emphasize the importance of durable infrastructure layers to support expanding connectivity objectives, with ongoing efforts directed by the Baku Action Plan through 2029.