ITU, the UN agency for digital technologies, announced today new industry commitments to its
Partner2Connect (P2C) Digital Coalition, now reaching USD 73 billion in pledges for universal, meaningful connectivity.
The latest commitments, presented during Mobile World Congress 2025 (MWC25), reflect growing momentum from leading mobile and satellite industry players rallying to bridge the digital divide.
Partner2Connect is ITU's initiative to mobilize pledges and resources to reinforce global connectivity efforts, strengthen the world's digital infrastructure and move closer to ensuring that everyone can use the Internet.
“In space, on land and under the sea, expansive digital infrastructure highlights how much humanity values and depends on meaningful connectivity," said ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin. “These new pledges bring us even closer to our goal of delivering sustainable digital transformation to everyone, everywhere."
The new commitments come from:
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MTN Group, which is deeply committed to investing in the future of Africa, deploying on average approximately USD 2 billion per year in capital expenditure across its markets over the past five years. The company expects to make similar investments over the next five years, in support of Africa's growth and prosperity. This will be dedicated to expanding and strengthening its voice and data networks, ensuring better coverage and connectivity for its customers. MTN Group believes these investments are crucial for driving digital inclusion and economic growth in these vital markets.
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Globalstar, which is investing USD 2 billion to expand its LEO satellite network, delivering seamless, low-latency, and energy-efficient connectivity for direct-to-device (D2D) and IoT solutions. Through this pledge, Globalstar will expand connectivity in remote regions, delivering reliable and affordable communication solutions where they are needed most.
New industry pledges to take on existing challenges
The announced pledges come as ITU celebrates its 160th anniversary in 2025 and is committed to securing a better digital future for all by advancing efforts to connect the unconnected, fast-track sustainable digital development, and empower people to use digital technologies.
Today, 2.6 billion people around the world remain offline, according to
ITU's Facts & Figures report.
ITU has
called for USD 100 billion in commitments to Partner2Connect by 2026 for projects driving digital transformation across all countries, with special attention to the hardest-to-connect communities.
Need for resilient digital infrastructure across the globe
ITU currently estimates that USD 1.6 trillion is required in hardware costs alone to complete the task of connecting the world, with most of the resources needed in developing countries.
The new commitments will be used to expand and enhance digital infrastructure, strengthen connectivity in underserved areas, and accelerate digital transformation through innovative technologies.
In total, over 1,000 pledges have been made to the Partner2Connect platform from governments, industry, and other stakeholders, covering 147 countries.
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About ITU:
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is the United Nations agency for digital technologies, driving innovation for people and the planet with 194 Member States and a membership of over 1,000 companies, universities, civil society, and international and regional organizations. Established in 1865, ITU coordinates the global use of the radio spectrum and satellite orbits, establishes international technology standards, drives universal connectivity and digital services, and is helping to make sure everyone benefits from sustainable digital transformation, including the most remote communities. From artificial intelligence (AI) to quantum, from satellites and submarine cables to advanced mobile and wireless broadband networks, ITU is committed to connecting the world and beyond. Learn more:
1f8a81b9b0707b63-19211.webchannel-proxy.scarabresearch.com
About the Partner2Connect Digital Coalition:
Launched by ITU in September 2021, the Partner2Connect (P2C) Digital Coalition is a global platform that mobilizes resources, fosters partnerships, and drives commitments for universal and meaningful connectivity. To date, around 470 entities from 147 countries have committed more than USD 73 billion to expanding digital access and bridging the connectivity gap. P2C supports global efforts like the UN's Global Digital Compact, ensuring a collaborative and results-driven approach to digital inclusion. For more information, visit:
Partner2Connect
