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1GSMA Report Finds Mobile Internet Access Soaring Globally
Mobile connectivity is being embraced by people around the world in ways that is helping to improve their lives, according to a new study from the GSM Association, a trade group that represents mobile service providers. The study, titled, “2017 Mobile Industry Impact Report: Sustainable Development Goals,” looks at mobile connectivity in 2016 and how the mobile industry has improved access to the internet. It also examines how people around the globe are using mobile connections to consume data and looks at what the mobile industry needs to do to further improve global connectivity. The report highlights how far mobile connectivity has come in such a short period of time.
23G Connectivity Is Everywhere
3Half the World’s Population Have Access to 4G
By the end of 2016, more than half of the world’s population, or about 4 billion people, had access to 4G networks, according to GSMA. 4G connectivity offers improved network quality, which plays “a critical role before and during epidemics, conflicts and natural or climate-related disasters,” the group noted.
4Millions of People Gain Access to Mobile Service Each Year
5Money Services Go Mobile
6Social Network Use Continues to Soar
7Mobile Broadband Speeds Are Rising
8What About Machine-to-Machine Connections?
9Mobile Shopping Is on the Rise
10Even the Agricultural Sector Is Going Mobile
11GSMA Initiatives to Support Mobile Internet Growth
Looking ahead, GSMA clearly believes there is plenty of room for growth. In support, GSMA is taking on several initiatives in the next year to improve mobile internet connectivity, including promoting “Big Data for social good” as well as the Connected Women Commitment Initiative to reduce the gender gap. GSMA also plans to invest in internet of things development and work with governments to ensure better access to the internet.