GSMA and ADB: universal APAC connectivity is a $230B opportunity

A GSMA Intelligence and Asian Development Bank study estimates closing the mobile internet gap in developing Asia Pacific would add $230 billion to the region's economy by 2030. About 1.1 billion people live within 4G reach but don't use mobile internet, and 100 million remain outside coverage; connecting the rest requires $316 billion in investment, leaving a $184 billion gap.

• 71% of developing APAC residents (3.1 billion) use mobile internet
• 1.1 billion people within 4G reach don't connect; 100 million lack coverage
• $316 billion in investment needed, with a $184 billion shortfall
• Women are 12% and rural residents 25% less likely to use mobile internet