Mobile internet usage gap: Pakistan ranks among top countries by absolute number

Business Recorder reported that Pakistan is among the countries with the largest mobile internet usage gaps worldwide, with roughly 140 million people covered by mobile broadband yet not using mobile internet. The figure comes from the GSMA's State of Mobile Internet Connectivity 2026 report, which places Pakistan alongside Nigeria, while India has the biggest gap at 710 million people.

The report points to affordability, literacy, digital skills and relevance as major barriers in Pakistan, with family restrictions and safety worries also emerging as country-specific obstacles. Among existing users, slow speeds and inconsistent coverage limit regular use, and the picture differs between urban and rural residents. Expanding networks alone is therefore not enough, so demand-side hurdles also need attention alongside network growth.

For Pakistan, the GSMA's suggested policy agenda covers cheaper smartphones, stronger digital-literacy programmes, better connectivity quality and safer online access for underserved groups. The organisation also estimates that cutting entry-level device prices to USD 20 to 30 could make smartphones affordable for an extra 1.6 to 2.2 billion people worldwide. Wider use could then lift online trade, financial access, learning opportunities and the delivery of government services.