1、Bridging the Digital Divide with Shared InfrastructureFull ConnectivityGlobal Perspectives&SolutionsJanuary 2026 2026 CitigroupFull Connectivity:Bridging the Digital Divide with Shared Infrastructure2AuthorsAmy ThompsonLead Analyst,Citi InstituteAlex MillerHead of Citi InstituteArthur PinedaDirector

2、,Head of APAC Telecom Research,Citi ResearchPantelis KoutroumpisDirector of the Programme of Technological and Economic Change,Oxford Martin School Michael RollinsManaging Director,Communication Services and Infrastructure,Citi ResearchFull Connectivity:Bridging the Digital Divide with Shared Infras

3、tructure2 2026 Citigroup 2026 CitigroupFull Connectivity:Bridging the Digital Divide with Shared Infrastructure3ContentsKey Takeaways 5Shared Digital Infrastructure for Universal Connectivity 6Despite Progress,Gaps in Digital Connectivity Remain .8Affordability is the Main Barrier to Closing the Int

4、ernet Usage Gap .10Poor Connection Quality Also Hinders Smartphone Adoption .12Low Earth Orbit satellites offer connectivity in hard-to-reach areas .13Infrastructure Sharing Could Address Barriers to Internet Use 15Infrastructure Sharing Improves Internet Quality and Reduces Costs .17TowerCos are an

5、 Under-Tapped Opportunity in Emerging Markets .19Endnotes 21 2026 CitigroupFull Connectivity:Bridging the Digital Divide with Shared Infrastructure4 2026 CitigroupFull Connectivity:Bridging the Digital Divide with Shared Infrastructure5Key Takeaways1Significant Progress,Remaining Gaps The percentage

6、 of people living in areas not connected has dropped significantly,yet a major“usage gap”persists where people have coverage but do not use the internet.2Affordability as a Primary Barrier Affordability is the main obstacle to universal internet access in low-and middle-income countries.Handset cost