- The Maldives remained the country with the least internet penetration, with a subscriber base of 931,000 users
- Nicaragua ranks second among the countries with the least internet penetration
- Bahrain ranked third among the countries with the least number of internet users, with a subscriber base of 1,897,000 users
The number of global internet users registered tremendous growth due to digital transformation through new technologies. The affordability of smartphones and the roll-out of 5G-enabled mobile devices increased the demand for mobile internet connections. The demand from the residential segment also grew over the years, and with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the demand increased. Online businesses remain the major factor for such growth, with small and large businesses adopting the digital medium to achieve growth and increase customer reach. Businesses registered some recovery in 2021 with the gradual fall in COVID-19 cases globally, which led to an increase in the use of internet by the business segment.
The global internet subscriber base grew 9% in 2021, reaching 6,388 million users. The number of subscribers in the fixed-line and mobile internet segments grew 9% and 10%, respectively, in 2021.
In 2021, Asia-Pacific accounted for 55% of the global internet subscriber base, followed by the Middle East and Africa, and Europe with 16% and 14%, respectively. South America and North America accounted for 8% and 7%, respectively.
However, many countries continue to remain under-penetrated in terms of internet usage. Here are some of the countries with the lowest internet penetration.
The Maldives remained the country with the least internet penetration, with a subscriber base of 931,000 users due to constraints in the form of demography, geography, and economic pattern. The internet market in the Maldives is controlled by two leading companies, Dhiraagu and Ooredoo. Nicaragua ranks second among the countries with the least internet penetration, with a subscriber base of 1,896,000. The major companies that provide internet services in Nicaragua include Claro and IBW.
Bahrain ranked third among the countries with the least number of internet users, with a subscriber base of 1,897,000 users. The major companies that dominate the country’s internet market include Zain Bahrain and Batelco.
