Global Internet access reaches 3.2 billion in 2015: Study

New Delhi: A new study has revealed that nearly 3.2 million of people worldwide were connected to the Internet by the end of 2015, up from 3 billion a year ago.

According to the 'State of Connectivity 2015' report, which is a Facebook-sponsored study, some 200 million people gained Internet access in 2015, due to “more affordable data and rising global incomes.”

Facebook’s second annual “State of Connectivity” report, released late Sunday, also revealed that globally, 4.1 billion people were still not Internet users as of 2015.

"The developed world is largely online, but the developing world is a long way behind," the report said."

“Urban areas are connected, many rural areas are not. The less money you have, the less likely you are to be online. In many countries, women use the Internet far less than men. And even if the entire world lived within range of the necessary infrastructure, nearly a billion people remain illiterate or otherwise unable to benefit from online content,” the report added.

The report said improving access is a major challenge that will require the cooperation of many stakeholders through innovation and investment.

(With ANI inputs)