Pakistan is among the countries with the largest mobile internet usage gaps worldwide, with around 140 million people living in areas covered by mobile broadband but not using mobile internet. The findings highlight persistent challenges related to smartphone affordability, digital literacy, online safety and the quality of connectivity.
According to the GSMA’s State of Mobile Internet Connectivity 2026 report, Pakistan ranks among the countries with the highest absolute number of people in the mobile internet usage gap, alongside Nigeria. India has the world’s largest gap, with around 710 million people covered by mobile broadband but not using mobile internet.
The GSMA warned that the growing adoption of artificial intelligence could deepen the global digital divide if billions of people in low- and middle-income countries cannot afford smartphones or lack the skills needed to access mobile internet. More than 3.4 billion people worldwide do not use mobile internet despite over 90% of them living within mobile broadband coverage.
For Pakistan, the report indicates that expanding network coverage alone will not be enough to achieve greater digital inclusion. Major barriers include affordability, literacy and digital skills, relevance, safety and security concerns, and connectivity experience. Family-related restrictions also emerge as a country-specific barrier.
The affordability of smartphones remains a significant concern, particularly for low-income households. Across low- and middle-income countries, an entry-level internet-enabled handset accounted for 44% of average monthly income among the poorest 20% of the population at the end of 2025. The GSMA estimates that reducing entry-level smartphone prices to $20–$30 could make smartphones affordable to an additional 1.6–2.2 billion people globally.
The report highlights the need for policies that improve access to affordable smartphones, strengthen digital literacy, enhance network quality and promote safer internet use. Practical digital skills, including access to digital payments, e-commerce, online education, employment platforms and government services, could also encourage wider mobile internet adoption.
Closing Pakistan’s 140-million-person mobile internet usage gap could expand access to digital commerce, financial services, education and public services. The findings suggest that the country’s next phase of digitalisation will require not only broader network coverage but also affordable devices, relevant digital services, stronger skills and reliable, secure connectivity.
