Mobile internet cheaper but still unaffordable in Middle East and Africa

An overview of the cost of mobile internet in 51 markets across the Middle East and Africa between 2015 and 2018.

Mobile internet is becoming more affordable across the Middle East and Africa, according to the latest data from the Alliance for Affordable Internet. Across low- and middle-income countries, the cost of mobile internet has fallen from 11.7% of average monthly income in 2015 to 6.1% last year. However, this is still above the UN-defined line of affordability at 2% of monthly income or less.

Overall, the Democratic Republic of the Congo reports the least affordable mobile internet, costing one-third (33.5%) of average monthly income. In contrast, Iran reports the most affordable cost, at 0.4%. While data unaffordability may limit usage...

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