MTN and Globalstar Boost ITU Initiative with $4 Billion Investment in Digital Connectivity

MTN Group and Globalstar have committed billions of dollars to enhance global digital connectivity under the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) Partner2Connect (P2C) Digital Coalition initiative.

Their pledges, announced at Mobile World Congress 2025 (MWC25), push total commitments under the coalition to $73 billion, moving closer to ITU’s $100 billion target.

Partner2Connect is ITU’s flagship program aimed at strengthening global digital infrastructure, expanding internet access, and bridging the digital divide, particularly in underserved regions.

MTN Group, a leading telecommunications provider in Africa, has pledged to continue investing approximately $2 billion per year in capital expenditures over the next five years. The company plans to use these funds to expand and strengthen its voice and data networks, ensuring broader coverage and improved connectivity across Africa.

“MTN believes these investments are essential for driving digital inclusion and economic growth in these vital markets,” ITU stated in a release.

Meanwhile, Globalstar is investing $2 billion to expand its Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite network, enhancing direct-to-device (D2D) and Internet of Things (IoT) solutions. The expansion will provide affordable and reliable connectivity to remote areas, helping bridge gaps where traditional network infrastructure is not feasible.

“In space, on land, and under the sea, expansive digital infrastructure highlights how much humanity values and depends on meaningful connectivity,” said ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin. “These new pledges bring us even closer to our goal of delivering sustainable digital transformation to everyone, everywhere.”

Despite progress, 2.6 billion people worldwide remain offline, according to ITU’s latest Facts & Figures report. The organisation estimates that $1.6 trillion in hardware investments will be needed to connect the world, with the majority of resources required in developing countries.

With over 1,000 pledges from governments, industry leaders, and stakeholders spanning 147 countries, the Partner2Connect initiative remains a driving force in advancing global digital inclusion.

As ITU celebrates its 160th anniversary in 2025, the agency remains committed to mobilising resources, accelerating digital transformation, and ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital revolution. With continued support from major industry players like MTN and Globalstar, the goal of a fully connected world is moving closer to reality.

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