2017, compared with 9 per cent in least developed countries. Target 9.c: Universal access to information and communications technology Target 9.c is: "Significantly increase access to information and communications technology and strive to provide universal and affordable access to the Internet in least developed countries by 2020". Indicator 9.c.1 "Proportion of population covered by a mobile network, by technology" The number of mobile cellphone subscriptions (per 100 people), and the share of a given population using the internet (on any device). Technologies Mobile-cellular signal coverage is this target's indicator and has improved a great deal. In previously "unconnected" areas of the globe, 85 percent of people now live in covered areas. Planet-wide, 95% of the population was covered in 2017. As at 2020, nearly the entire world population lives in an area covered by a mobile network. It is estimated that, in 2019, 97% thereof was covered by at least a 2G network, with 82% percent covered by at least a long-term evolution network. There are many parts of the world that still lack access to mobile broadband networks (16%), and infrastructure places an outsized economic constraint on developing countries. Millions of people are still unable to access the internet due to cost, coverage, and other reasons. It is estimated that just 53% of the world's population are currently internet users. Estimates suggest that by the end of 2020, the world will have reached just 57% global internet use and 23% in least developed countries, missing target 9.c by a wide margin. Although ensuring universal Internet access remains a goal itself, there is increasing evidence that digitization and datafication of society and economy might contribute to achieving other SDGs as well. Challenges COVID-19 Pandemic Even before the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020, the world manufacturing growth was said to be declining. The pandemic hit industries hard and caused disruptions in value chains of goods and their supply, and has affected the digitization of business and services such as video conferencing, healthcare, teleworking etc. The Air transport industry, border closures, as well as limited international seating capacity, have resulted in financial losses in the millions. Its also important to note that in countries that were focusing much of their resources on SDG 9, their technological infrastructure had benefits during the pandemic. Increased connectivity, as well as an increase in social and political awareness, resulted in an average decline in response time