Huawei connects 170 million in remote areas, surpassing ITU pledge

Syed MIZAN::

Dhaka, 5 March, 2026: Huawei has successfully provided digital connectivity to 170 million people across more than 80 countries, significantly exceeding its 2022 commitment to the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) Partner2Connect (P2C) Digital Coalition.
The announcement was made by Yang Chaobin, CEO of Huawei ICT BG, at the company’s TECH Cares Forum held during the ongoing Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026 in Barcelona. Huawei had initially pledged to connect 120 million people in remote areas by 2025 but has reached the milestone a year ahead of schedule.
Addressing the forum, Yang emphasized that while AI advancements are rapid, the digital divide remains a critical challenge. “High-speed digital networks and robust computing capabilities are essential foundations for an inclusive and sustainable AI era,” he said. He noted that this connectivity facilitates improved access to healthcare, education, and financial services for underserved communities.
Cosmas Zavazava, Director of the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau, commended the achievement, stating that bridging the gap requires innovative business models and sustained investment. “I applaud Huawei’s commitment to universal and meaningful connectivity,” he added.
The tech giant’s digital inclusion strategy focuses on two pillars: inclusive connectivity and digital skills. To address the skills gap, initiatives like “Skills on Wheels” have already trained over 130,000 people in 21 countries.
Huawei also highlighted its rural network innovations, including the “RuralCow” solution launched in November 2025. Developed with MTN Nigeria, the system extends coverage to villages with as few as 1,500 residents.
Moving forward, Huawei reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with governments and international bodies to accelerate digital empowerment and build a more equitable digital world.