Understanding Mobile Internet Use in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (GSMA)

Summary

• GSMA conducted nationally representative face-to-face surveys in 30 LMICs, accounting for 79% of the population in LMICs, including 15 LMICs in 2024.p.4
• An average of 82% of mobile internet users across the countries surveyed report using it daily.p.6
• Daily use ranges from 93% of users in Egypt and 83% in Senegal down to 55% in Ethiopia.p.6
• On average, 83–89% of mobile internet users report engaging in each of six common activities, such as communications, social media and entertainment.p.10
• On average, 89% of mobile internet users had used mobile for social media, ranging from 75% in Pakistan to 97% in Philippines and Mexico.p.10
• 70% of mobile internet users in Mexico have used mobile to access online health services or information, compared to 16% in Pakistan.p.10

Key insights

1. In only four countries are less than 80% of mobile internet users making daily use of mobile internet.p.6
2. In India, 49% of the population uses mobile internet, with 95% of this group using it daily.p.6
3. In urban Egypt, 92% of mobile internet users use it each day, but only half use it for three or more activities per day.p.6
4. Almost half of mobile internet users (48%) use social media to support work tasks or business ventures.p.10
5. For the first time, all mobile internet users were asked whether they were aware of each of the 16 activities.p.13
6. Awareness is lowest for income generation, ordering goods or services, online banking, and health and government services.p.13