The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) has secured commitments totaling $9 billion from mobile operators to expand global connectivity.
Out of these, Ooredoo will have $1.1 billion for connectivity in developing markets spanning from North Africa to the Indian Ocean.
ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin announced the programme during the Mobile World Congress (MWC).
These commitments build upon the mobile industry’s strong support for ITU’s efforts to connect the world.
The UN Digital Agency revealed it now boasts over 1,000 industry, academia, and organizational members, in addition to its 193 Member States.
It paints the largest and most diverse membership in the agency’s history.
Driving Meaningful Connectivity
The new industry commitments have elevated the total current value of planned investment in infrastructure, services.
Also Read: IFC Selects 100 Women-Led Startups for She Wins Africa Growth Support
It also offers support for ITU’s Partner2Connect Digital Coalition since the platform’s launch in March 2022 to over $46 billion.
“Universal meaningful connectivity is within our grasp. Thanks to these new commitments, millions of people will benefit from accessible and affordable connectivity across the world,” said Doreen.
Millions of people worldwide will benefit from accessible and affordable connectivity.
John Giusti, Chief Regulatory Officer at GSMA, commended the ITU Secretary-General’s focus on infrastructure investment for enabling the digital economy.
How The Fund Has Been Segmented
He also congratulated e&, China Telecom, Ooredoo, and VEON for their investment pledges.
Here are the specific commitments announced at the Mobile World Congress:
1. e&: $6 billion between 2024 and 2026 for accessible and affordable network connectivity and digital services across countries in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
2. China Telecom: Over $1.4 billion to roll out fiber-to-the-home (FTTH), providing high-quality information and communication services to over 80 million people in remote administrative villages across China.
3. Ooredoo: $1.1 billion for connectivity in developing markets spanning from North Africa to the Indian Ocean.
4. VEON: USD 600 million to build essential infrastructure in Ukraine, providing connectivity and digital services crucial for the country’s reconstruction1.
These commitments aim to connect everyone, everywhere, bridging the global digital divide and facilitating development in areas such as education, health, government services, and trade.