International Telecommunication Union Mobilises $82bn to Expand Global Connectivity

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has attracted more than $82 billion in funding commitments through its Partner2Connect Digital Coalition, stepping up efforts to provide internet access to the 2.2 billion people still unconnected around the world.

The announcement was made by ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin at the Mobile World Congress 2026, where global technology and telecom leaders convened to discuss industry developments and digital transformation.

Established in 2021, the Partner2Connect initiative serves as a collaborative platform bringing together governments, private companies, development institutions and civil society organisations to finance digital infrastructure projects and advance inclusion, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

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With total pledges now exceeding $82 billion, the ITU says it remains on track to meet its $100 billion target before the end of 2026.

Bogdan-Martin described the milestone as evidence of what coordinated global partnerships can achieve, noting that expanded connectivity could unlock opportunities in education, healthcare, entrepreneurship and artificial intelligence for millions of people worldwide.

New Industry Commitments

At the telecom summit, Mobily announced a $1.715 billion investment in data centres, submarine cable infrastructure and advanced 5G networks. The company said the funding aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy and is aimed at reinforcing the country’s role as a digital hub connecting regions across East and West.

In a similar move, Ooredoo Group pledged $500 million to develop submarine and land-based optical fibre networks across the Middle East and North Africa. The investment is expected to strengthen high-capacity connectivity and support broader economic participation in the region.

The Bigger Picture

Since launch, the coalition has secured over 1,000 commitments from 149 countries, covering broadband deployment, policy reforms, digital skills training and investments in emerging technologies designed to reach difficult-to-serve populations.

However, the ITU estimates that delivering universal and meaningful connectivity by 2030 will require between $2.6 trillion and $2.8 trillion in total investment.

The organisation has therefore called on public and private stakeholders to deepen their involvement, stressing that narrowing the global digital divide remains essential to advancing inclusive growth and sustainable development worldwide.