The International Telecommunication Union estimated that almost three-quarters of the world’s population used the internet in 2025, while about 2.2 billion people remained offline. Its annual Facts and Figures report said most people without access lived in low- and middle-income countries.
A headline connection rate does not describe the quality or cost of access. Reliable electricity, network coverage, devices, affordability and digital skills all shape whether people can use online services safely and consistently.
The ITU figures provide a global baseline rather than a measure of any one community. Governments and network providers can use the data to identify gaps, but local coverage and affordability still need to be assessed separately.