In today’s modern era, having internet access is closely linked to gaining social and economic empowerment.
The affordability factor greatly influences accessibility. Simply put, those who can afford regular internet access hold a significant advantage over individuals who are unable to participate in the digital economy of the 21st century due to pricing.
The recent findings from Electronics Hub indicate that some countries are effectively providing affordable internet access, while others are struggling with high costs that limit widespread connectivity and deepen the digital divide between those who have access to technology and those who do not.
Uncover the most and least budget-friendly countries when it comes to mobile data
The researchers at The Electronics Hub began their study by examining how much a 10GB mobile data plan costs compared to the average income in the country.
Israel offers the best deal on mobile data, with a 10GB per month plan costing just 0.01% of the average yearly wage. This affordability is one of the reasons why over 90% of Israelis have daily internet access, making Israel one of the most digitally connected countries in the world.
Italy and France are two countries that have strong connections, with mobile data access costing only a small portion of the average salary. In Italy, people pay only 0.04% of their income for a 10GB monthly plan, while in France, the same plan costs just 0.07% of the average salary.
The price of mobile data in Australia, Finland, Denmark, and Austria is equivalent to less than 1% of the average worker’s earnings in many other countries.
Zimbabwe takes the crown for having the most expensive 10GB mobile data pack globally. However, labeling it as expensive would be an understatement. Words like outrageous, astronomical, or even extortionate would better describe it. This is because 10GB of mobile data in Zimbabwe costs a staggering 356% of the national salary. It’s truly an exorbitant price!
Many other countries are facing the same issue, not just Zimbabwe. In Africa, it is common to see extremely high data package prices. Take the Central African Republic, for instance, where the cost of a 10GB annual mobile data plan is 334% of the average yearly income. In Zambia, residents have to allocate 156% of their average salary to afford the same 10GB mobile deal.
Find out how download speeds and broadband prices vary across the globe
Romania may not be the top country that pops into your head when you think about digital innovation and connectivity, but when it comes to price per 1Mbps, it’s actually the best in the world. In Romania, you can get 1Mbps for just $0.01.
This shouldn’t be unexpected for those who are aware of Romania’s recent history and dedication to innovation.
After the collapse of communism in 1989, Romania kicked off a large-scale modernization project that involved substantial investments in telecommunications. By the early 2000s, private companies were implementing fiber-optic networks, especially in urban areas, which helped Romania become one of the top countries worldwide in terms of internet speed and value for money.
Internet in Thailand is slightly pricier compared to other countries, with locals paying $0.02 per 1Mbps. Moldova, Poland, and Slovakia are among the countries with the cheapest broadband rates.
African nations continue to lead the way in the top 10 ranking of the most costly countries for broadband per 1Mbps, underscoring the ongoing challenges with digital access and affordability in the region.
In Eritrea, you’ll have to pay $338 for a 1Mbps internet connection, which may seem quite expensive considering the limited capabilities. This speed is only sufficient for basic online activities and your connection will be on the slower side. Don’t even think about watching your latest Netflix obsession through streaming. You’ll just end up staring at a loading screen for an hour.
Internet affordability around the world
In the last section of the Electronics Hub analysis, we take a closer look at affordability. This part examines how the cost of a yearly broadband subscription in each country stacks up against the average income of its residents.
Once again, Romania proudly boasts the most economical broadband service on the planet. For just 0.74% of their salary, the average Romanian can enjoy a full year of broadband access. In dollar value, this equates to around $60 per year, granting them access to a super-fast and highly stable internet connection.
Broadband in Burundi is incredibly costly in comparison to the average annual salary. In fact, the price of a year’s worth of broadband is a staggering 2,935% higher than what most individuals earn in a year.
The average person must come up with 29 times their salary to be able to pay for broadband. This is the reason why less than 10% of the population in the country has access to the internet. According to a 2023 Global Digital Insights report, more than 10 million individuals in Burundi have never used the internet.
