ITU Secures $82 Billion for Global Digital Connectivity

The International===International Telecommunication Union (ITU) announced that its Partner2Connect Digital Coalition has secured over $82 billion in pledges, moving closer to its $100 billion target by the end of 2026. This initiative, launched in 2021, aims to bridge the global digital divide by expanding internet connectivity to the 2.2 billion people still offline. Key pledges include a $1.715 billion investment from Mobily in data centers, submarine cables, and 5G infrastructure, aligning with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. Ooredoo also committed $500 million to expand optical fiber infrastructure across the Middle East and North Africa region. International===International Telecommunication Union Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin highlighted the importance of these commitments in unlocking life-changing opportunities through digital technologies, from education and healthcare to entrepreneurship and artificial intelligence. The International===International Telecommunication Union estimates that achieving universal, meaningful connectivity by 2030 could require between $2.6 trillion and $2.8 trillion, emphasizing the need for continued public and private sector participation.