Mapping mobile’s global coverage: Myths, realities, and why high-resolution insights matter for progress

Despite decades of network investment, questions remain about how close the industry is to achieving universal mobile coverage — and where gaps still exist. Using high-resolution mobile network coverage data collected directly from operators worldwide, this session explores the realities of 4G and 5G availability, persistent coverage gaps, and the insights that authoritative data provides for policy, planning, and investment decisions.

Opening insights: Mapping mobile coverage today
GSMA Intelligence presents a global snapshot of 4G and 5G coverage, highlighting population and land area coverage, regional adoption of mobile internet, and areas where connectivity is still limited.

Insights in practice
Explore how coverage data, combined with population, infrastructure, and socio-economic information, reveals the realities of connectivity across rural areas, transport corridors, and underserved regions.

Panel discussion: Closing the connectivity gaps
Experts from industry, policy, and technology discuss rollout decisions, remaining gaps, and the potential role of alternative solutions such as satellite and direct-to-device technologies.

Key takeaways
Understand why granular, trusted coverage data is critical for evidence-based decision-making and the ongoing journey toward universal connectivity.