Over 80 percent of the world’s population live in areas covered by GSM networks, yet only half of the world’s population uses mobile communications services. Nokia conducted a study into the total cost of ownership (TCO) of mobile communications, including services, taxes and handsets for low-income people. Affordability is very important factor in bringing digital inclusion to people living on low incomes across the eighty emerging markets in the study.

A TCO of not more than US$ 5 dollars a month would enable the majority of people in emerging markets to use mobile services, and this would help bridge the digital divide. Only four out of the 80 countries studied have achieved this: Sri Lanka, India, Bangladesh and Pakistan. Most governments in these countries have made serious efforts to enhance the affordability of owning and using mobile phones.