The GSMA has raised concerns regarding the ongoing challenge of smartphone affordability, emphasizing that high hardware costs continue to act as a significant barrier to global digital inclusion. As modern mobile technology advances, the gap between connected populations and those unable to afford entry-level devices remains a critical issue.
Alongside handset pricing, the industry association spotlighted disparities in access to artificial intelligence. With mobile-driven AI tools rapidly becoming integral to communication, productivity, and economic opportunities, the inability to acquire capable hardware threatens to lock lower-income users out of the emerging digital economy.
Addressing device affordability and access to next-generation tools requires concerted collaboration among manufacturers, network operators, and policymakers. Expanding affordable access to connected hardware is seen as essential to preventing the digital divide from widening further in the era of artificial intelligence.
For more information and complete details, please refer to the original coverage at Telecom Review Africa.
