Internet connectivity became less affordable around the world in 2021

Internet connectivity became less affordable around the world in 2021, according to the latest statistical analysis by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the Alliance for Affordable Internet (A4AI). The share of people's incomes spent on fixed broadband and mobile Internet services increased globally in 2021, in parallel with upticks in demand and usage compared to 2020, reveals the ITU-A4AI policy brief The affordability of ICT services 2021. Relative prices of fixed broadband services climbed to 3.5 percent of gross national income (GNI) per capita globally in 2021, up from 2.9 percent in 2020. The relative prices of mobile broadband services around the world also edged up to 2 percent of GNI per capita, from 1.9 percent a year earlier. Yet people have sacrificed other goods and services to maintain reliable Internet access during the COVID-19 pandemic. Those who can have largely stayed connected, even at relatively higher prices.