全球仍有31亿人用不起智能手机上网

Core Insights - The article highlights the significant gap in mobile internet usage in Guinea, where despite high mobile phone penetration, only a small percentage of the population uses the internet due to the high cost of smartphones and data plans [1][3][5]. Group 1: Smartphone Affordability - The high cost of smartphones is a major barrier to mobile internet access, particularly in low-income countries like Guinea, where many cannot afford devices priced above $20 [1][10]. - ITU estimates that if smartphone prices were reduced to $20, the affordability gap for smartphones would decrease from 23% to 14% among the global population aged 15 and above [1]. - In Guinea, the average smartphone price ranges from 400 to 1000 RMB, which is unaffordable for many, as it can consume a significant portion of their monthly income [6][7]. Group 2: Internet Connectivity - Despite a high number of mobile connections (14.2 million, or 95.1% penetration), less than 4 million people in Guinea use the internet, indicating a severe "digital divide" [3][5]. - The majority of the population remains offline, with 73.5% lacking internet access, which is significantly higher than the global average [5]. - The cost of data plans in Guinea is also prohibitive, with 1GB of data costing a substantial portion of the average monthly income [6][8]. Group 3: Mobile Device Market Dynamics - The average selling price of smartphones in Africa has been rising, from $130 in 2021 to over $200 by 2024, making them increasingly unaffordable for low-income users [10]. - The high costs associated with importing smartphones, including taxes and currency fluctuations, contribute to the elevated prices in African markets [11]. - Mobile leasing services are becoming popular in Africa, allowing users to access smartphones through installment payments, which helps mitigate the upfront cost barrier [12][14]. Group 4: Initiatives for Affordable Devices - Organizations like GSMA are working to lower the costs of entry-level smartphones by collaborating with manufacturers and mobile operators to make devices more accessible [14].