Connected Society, GSMA

Connected Society ProgrammeUnlocking the power of the mobile internet Our mission is to support the mobile industry to increase access to and adoption of the mobile internet for the underserved. The internet is the most important enabler of social development and economic growth of our time. Already 3.2 billion people are online – 2.4 billion of them through mobile – directly benefiting from and contributing to the digital economy. 4 billion people remain offline, unable to participate and unaware of the opportunities. The unconnected population is predominantly located in developing world markets, typically on low incomes and lacking basic and digital literacy skills. Women are disproportionately affected by these challenges. Mobile represents the best opportunity for the underserved to join the digital economy. The GSMA Connected Society Programme works with the mobile industry and key stakeholders to increase access to and adoption of the mobile internet, focusing on underserved population groups in developing markets. This initiative is currently funded by the UK Department for International Development (DFID), and supported by the GSMA and its members.