GSMA Warns AI Chip Demand Could Widen Mobile Internet Gap

Sep 16, 2026
The GSMA says demand from AI infrastructure and data centers is increasing component costs, making affordable smartphones more expensive as 3.4 billion people remain offline.

GSMA warned (in French) that rising demand for AI infrastructure and data centers is increasing memory and chip costs, making entry level smartphones more expensive. Its State of Mobile Internet Connectivity 2026 report says this pressure could widen the global digital divide.

More than 3.4 billion people do not use mobile internet, although over 90% of them live in areas with mobile broadband coverage. Smartphone cost is the main barrier in low and middle income countries, followed by limited digital skills.

GSMA director general Vivek Badrinath called for coordinated action from policymakers, mobile operators, device makers and component suppliers to keep smartphones affordable. Its previous analysis estimated that closing the mobile internet usage gap could add $3.5 trillion to global GDP from 2023 to 2030, with more than 90% of that amount going to low and middle income countries.

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