SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure | SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Institutions: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
The International Telecommunication Union, together with Saudi Arabia’s Communications, Space & Technology Commission, has released the Connecting Humanity Action Blueprint, which estimates that achieving universal, meaningful Internet connectivity by 2030 will require between USD 2.6 trillion and USD 2.8 trillion in investment. This cost reflects the fact that nearly one-third of humanity, about 2.6 billion people) remain offline, with stark disparities such as 93 percent online penetration in high-income countries versus only 27 percent in low-income nations.
The largest portion of required investment, USD 1.5 trillion to USD 1.7 trillion, is allocated for hard digital infrastructure - covering works like fiber optic networks, 4G fixed wireless in rural areas, and satellite connectivity in remote zones. Further investment is needed to enhance affordability, digital skills, and policy environments, although the release emphasized infrastructure as the single most resource-intensive component of the effort.
ITU underscores that these investments are not just technical solutions but enablers of equitable digital access--supporting education, livelihoods, and essential services across underserved populations.
Relevant question for policy stakeholders: In the Indian context, how can national priorities around infrastructure financing, digital literacy, and policy reform align with the scale outlined in the ITU blueprint to achieve inclusive, resilient connectivity?
Follow the full news here:
https://www.itu.int/en/mediacentre/Pages/PR-2025-09-01-Connecting-Humanity.aspx