GSMA flags 3.4B unconnected, sets 6G and AI scam priorities

The GSMA board, meeting in New Delhi, said 97% of the world's population lives within mobile broadband coverage but 3.4 billion people remain offline. It cited device affordability — an entry-level handset costs 44% of monthly income for the poorest 20% in low- and middle-income countries — and called for joint action against AI-generated scams and deepfakes.

• 3.4 billion people remain unconnected despite 97% mobile broadband coverage
• Entry-level handsets cost 44% of monthly income for the poorest 20%
• Mobile technologies generated $6 trillion in economic value in 2025, 6.4% of global GDP
• Operators to invest $1.2 trillion in networks in 2025-2030; 57% of connections on 5G