The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) announced at Mobile World Congress 2026 that Saudi Arabia’s Mobily and Qatar-based Ooredoo Group have pledged a combined US$2.2 billion to the Partner2Connect Digital Coalition, pushing total global commitments under the initiative beyond US$82 billion.
During a keynote address, ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin revealed that Mobily will invest US$1.715 billion in data centres, subsea cables, and 5G and next-generation network infrastructure. The investment aims to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s AI and cloud computing capabilities, supporting national digital transformation goals and aligning with Vision 2030 ambitions to position the Kingdom as a global connectivity hub.
Ooredoo Group has pledged US$500 million toward subsea and terrestrial optical fibre infrastructure to expand high-capacity connectivity across the Middle East and North Africa region. The initiative is expected to enhance regional and international digital links while supporting inclusive economic growth through resilient network infrastructure.
According to the ITU, these commitments contribute directly to its objective of achieving universal and meaningful connectivity, ensuring access to affordable and reliable internet along with the necessary digital skills.
Since its launch in 2021, Partner2Connect has secured more than 1,000 pledges from 149 countries, covering digital infrastructure, policy modernisation, capacity building, and innovative technologies designed to connect underserved populations.
The ITU estimates that achieving universal connectivity by 2030 will require between US$2.6 trillion and US$2.8 trillion in investment, underscoring the importance of continued public and private sector participation.
