Mind the B-Gap: Telcos see a compelling case for digital inclusion powered by cloud technology
New research from CloudMosa shows digital inclusion is shifting from CSR to a core business strategy – and telcos stand to gain if they move quickly
Majority (97%) of telco leaders say digital inclusion is now central to their business strategy, driven primarily by the need to bridge the digital divide (71%)
With 92% of respondents seeing a strong alignment with government affordability initiatives as a key benefit of prioritizing digital inclusion
Despite 2G network phaseouts progressing – with 62% of telcos completing the transition – 40% of Indian consumers still rely on 2G, exposing a critical gap in access
93% express confidence in cloud-powered solutions to help close the digital inclusion gap across high-growth markets
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 June 2025 – Millions of would-be customers remain offline across Asia's fastest-growing digital economies. This is not a lifestyle choice; it's because telcos are overlooking them — and a big growth opportunity in the process. In India, Vietnam, and the Philippines alone, over 600 million people still lack affordable access to the internet. CloudMosa, a leading cloud and mobile technology company, today released its inaugural B-Gap Barometer report, exploring the barriers keeping people offline in markets with network access as well as attitudes to potential solutions.
Based on insights from senior telecommunication leaders across the digitally ascending markets of India, Vietnam, and the Philippines, the report maps telcos' 2G-to-4G migration, identifies persistent barriers to digital inclusion, and outlines how decision-makers are rethinking innovation and business strategies amid network transitions. The research also reveals the shift we're seeing in digital inclusion becoming a strategic business priority, underscoring affordable access as the next frontier for growth.
ADVERTISEMENT
'Telcos are racing to the future with 5G, but growth won't come from the top alone,' said Shioupyn Shen, CEO of CloudMosa. 'The real opportunity lies in those being left behind in the migration to 4G and beyond. This report is a call to action for industry leaders: those who move first to bridge the affordability gap will shape the next decade of the industry.'
Rising demands for affordable connectivity
Telcos are now at a crossroads. According to the B-Gap Barometer, 62% of operators across India, Vietnam, and the Philippines have already completed their 2G shutdowns, and another 26% are prepared for migration. Yet, despite the rapid progress in network infrastructure to support 4G, large populations still rely heavily on 2G networks. This is particularly evident in India, where 40% reported that up to half their company's user base is still on 2G networks.
Despite existing network coverage, many users remain offline because affordability still prevents underserved consumers from fully participating in the digital economy – a challenge CloudMosa has termed the 'B-Gap'.
In the Philippines, 66% of telco leaders cite costly data plans as consumers' top barriers in transitioning to 4G and beyond. Vietnam and India follow closely, with 57% and 51% reflecting a similar sentiment. While more users are aiming to upgrade to smartphones – 73% in Vietnam and 62% in the Philippines – many still lean on feature phones given cost limitations. Seventy-five percent of Indian users still prefer traditional feature phones, driven by cost, simplicity, and reliability.
ADVERTISEMENT
While the rest of the world is rushing towards 5G, these users present the region's most overlooked commercial opportunity and telcos are uniquely positioned to move them up the value chain to ultimately close this gap. Doing so will unlock revenue, drive education, employment, economic mobility, and social inclusion.
Why inclusion is now a business imperative
As telcos continue to grapple with legacy network costs, stagnant average rate per user, or how to expand to underserved markets, digital inclusion is no longer a CSR initiative. It is becoming a critical commercial strategy to reach more users across digitally ascending markets.
A staggering 97% of industry players across three markets pointed to digital inclusion as a central component of their business strategy, with the biggest driver being bridging the digital divide (71%), followed by aligning with CSR goals (56%). More than half (53%) see inclusion helping with market expansion, customer retention and loyalty. The benefits are multifaceted, but the bottom line is clear: digital inclusion is a business growth engine that telcos can't afford to ignore.
Driving the future of inclusive connectivity
While tech affordability has long been a challenge, key players are now presented with a solution in the form of cloud-based mobile devices to reach wider communities. Developed by CloudMosa, Cloud Phone is a breakthrough solution that transforms low-cost feature phones into modern, internet-capable devices. By shifting computing and data processing to the cloud, Cloud Phone delivers seamless online experiences that were previously out of reach for users on basic handsets.
In fact, telco leaders feel positively about this technology in helping to bridge the gap for billions of people worldwide that still lack crucial access. Ninety-one percent believe this solution can help close the B-Gap, with another 90% interested in its potential to dramatically improve UX for low-income users. Eighty-five percent have even cited running premium applications on low-cost devices as an attractive feature.
'We're not just bringing the internet to feature phones — we're unlocking opportunity for billions,' Shen added. 'What we've built with Cloud Phone introduces a new growth model for telecom carriers, phone manufacturers and content providers. We want to show the mobile ecosystem how doing good doesn't need to come at the expense of profitability. Telcos can still achieve commercial success while providing solutions that meet people where they are.'
What's next: The business playbook for telcos
Traditionally viewed as low revenue customers, 2G feature phone users now represent a significant untapped opportunity. With cloud-based solutions reducing device and data costs, telcos can serve this segment profitably, offering app-based services on feature phones that operate like smartphones.
Solutions such as Cloud Phone offer a high-margin innovation platform to tackle the challenges telcos are facing by unlocking new growth while enabling digital transformation and wider business goals. Along with the right partnerships and business models, telcos can transform inclusion into real impact.
Download the B-Gap Barometer here: https://www.cloudphone.tech/b-gap-barometer.
For more information on CloudMosa, click here for the full press kit.
Hashtag: #CloudMosa
https://www.cloudphone.tech/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/cloudmosa
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About the B-Gap Barometer Report
From March to April 2025, CloudMosa fielded an online survey in partnership with Rakuten Insights that garnered 465 respondents, both through qualitative interviews and quantitative survey. This report aims to shed light on telecommunication carriers' perceptions of the B-Gap — the affordability barrier keeping the last 2.7 million people offline. Respondent demographics include senior and mid-level telecommunications executives across India, Vietnam and the Philippines, including mobile network operators, and related businesses. Job titles include: Vice President, Senior Director, General Manager, Head of Department, Director and Manager.
More on the report here
About CloudMosa
CloudMosa is a pioneer in providing cloud computing and remote browser solutions for both the consumer and enterprise sectors. For over a decade, CloudMosa has developed products with unparalleled security, speed, and efficiency for its clients. With a suite of offerings powered by its flagship product, Puffin Cloud Avatar Technology, CloudMosa is committed to reshaping the digital landscape and empowering users for a faster, more secure mobile experience. To learn more about CloudMosa's cloud-powered solutions, visit https://www.cloudphone.tech/
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gulf Today
43 minutes ago
- Gulf Today
Sustainability is a way of life, says Dr Samiullah Khan
Sustainability is no longer a choice—it's a way of life. This is an exciting field to explore. With AI, blockchain, IOT and other advanced technologies, we have the tools to build a truly sustainable future, stated by Dr. Samiullah Khan, one of the most influential voices in the UAE's sustainability movement and Chief Sustainability Officer at Fakhruddin Holdings Dubai. Talking to Gulf Today, he said, 'As the world intensifies efforts to combat climate change, sustainability has become more than just a buzzword – it's a global imperative.' Dr Khan also known as Dr Sam is a key figure in sustainability summits and discussions, often the first to evaluate innovative sustainability solutions that promise a greener future. For many, sustainability is a practice. For him, it's second nature – ingrained since childhood in Chennai, India. 'Wasting even a grain of rice was unacceptable in our home. Extra food was either shared with those in need or fed to cows, whose dung was used as manure in our garden,' he recalled. These early lessons shaped his understanding of sustainability and the circular economy. His passion for technology and the environment led him to prestigious institutions such as Anna University, Cambridge University, MIT, Delft and Harvard. His career began with Tata Motors, where he became among the youngest engineer to lead international operations into Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia and growing Tata's market share to an impressive 96 per cent in the school bus sector. After an illustrious 17 years with Tata and five years at SRM University, Sam found his true calling in 2015 as CEO of World Islands, He introduced air-to-water technology, harnessing humidity in the deserts of Dubai to generate clean drinking water, using Solar power – an innovation that gained significant traction in the desert landscape. Recognised among the 100 Iconic Indians by the Indian Embassy in the UAE, Dr Sam soon became a leading advocate for sustainability, collaborating with individuals, private sector and government, notably with Marwan Bin Jassim Al Sarkal and playing a pivotal role in the 'Dubai Can' initiative under the vision of Crown Prince of Dubai Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum in initiatives to eliminate plastic bottles in Dubai. As a Championing Green Innovation post COVID, Dr Khan focused on air quality, energy conservation, water purity, food security, waste management and circular economy. Under his leadership, Smart Air Handling Units (S.A.H.U.) are being introduced to improve indoor air quality and reduce energy consumption by up to 40% compared to traditional HVAC systems. The other initiatives included a centralised, organic mineral-enriched hydrogenated, Ionised, Alkaline drinking water system is being developed for healthier hydration as well as a radiant-cooled greenhouse café with hydroponics is being explored to boost UAE's food security and comprehensive waste management and recycling systems, including composting, are being implemented.
Arabian Post
4 hours ago
- Arabian Post
To reverse losses, Chinese airlines venture into livestreaming
BEIJING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 June 2025 – The livestreaming-commerce model has taken the world by storm in recent years. In China, numerous enterprises are actively venturing into livestreaming e-commerce, including several airlines. In 2024, Hainan Airlines established HNA Preferred Business Co., Ltd., specializing in Internet livestreaming and sales. Notably, as early as 2020, the airline began piloting livestream sales on platforms like Ctrip, primarily offering flight tickets and hotel packages—making it one of China's earliest adopters of livestream commerce in the aviation sector. Hainan Airlines released a loss forecast for the first half of 2024. Industry analysts suggest its progressive push into livestreaming likely stems from challenges in its core business, where achieving structural profit growth has become increasingly difficult, compelling the company to seek new revenue streams. ADVERTISEMENT Flight attendant Zhuang Xuan of Hainan Airlines began participating in livestreaming e-commerce operations in 2022. Originally from China's Taiwan region, Zhuang has garnered a significant following due to her sweet appearance and distinctive Taiwan accent, driving considerable traffic to the airline's livestream initiatives. 'A sense of belonging means feeling that you have influence or a rightful place within your team—especially when your capabilities are recognized by everyone,' Zhuang remarked. This young professional, under 30, is now pushing her boundaries at Hainan Airlines while seeking her own sense of belonging. Hashtag: #ChinaNewsService The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Arabian Post
7 hours ago
- Arabian Post
Mind the B-Gap: Telcos see a compelling case for digital inclusion powered by cloud technology
New research from CloudMosa shows digital inclusion is shifting from CSR to a core business strategy – and telcos stand to gain if they move quickly Majority (97%) of telco leaders say digital inclusion is now central to their business strategy, driven primarily by the need to bridge the digital divide (71%) With 92% of respondents seeing a strong alignment with government affordability initiatives as a key benefit of prioritizing digital inclusion Despite 2G network phaseouts progressing – with 62% of telcos completing the transition – 40% of Indian consumers still rely on 2G, exposing a critical gap in access 93% express confidence in cloud-powered solutions to help close the digital inclusion gap across high-growth markets HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 June 2025 – Millions of would-be customers remain offline across Asia's fastest-growing digital economies. This is not a lifestyle choice; it's because telcos are overlooking them — and a big growth opportunity in the process. In India, Vietnam, and the Philippines alone, over 600 million people still lack affordable access to the internet. CloudMosa, a leading cloud and mobile technology company, today released its inaugural B-Gap Barometer report, exploring the barriers keeping people offline in markets with network access as well as attitudes to potential solutions. Based on insights from senior telecommunication leaders across the digitally ascending markets of India, Vietnam, and the Philippines, the report maps telcos' 2G-to-4G migration, identifies persistent barriers to digital inclusion, and outlines how decision-makers are rethinking innovation and business strategies amid network transitions. The research also reveals the shift we're seeing in digital inclusion becoming a strategic business priority, underscoring affordable access as the next frontier for growth. ADVERTISEMENT 'Telcos are racing to the future with 5G, but growth won't come from the top alone,' said Shioupyn Shen, CEO of CloudMosa. 'The real opportunity lies in those being left behind in the migration to 4G and beyond. This report is a call to action for industry leaders: those who move first to bridge the affordability gap will shape the next decade of the industry.' Rising demands for affordable connectivity Telcos are now at a crossroads. According to the B-Gap Barometer, 62% of operators across India, Vietnam, and the Philippines have already completed their 2G shutdowns, and another 26% are prepared for migration. Yet, despite the rapid progress in network infrastructure to support 4G, large populations still rely heavily on 2G networks. This is particularly evident in India, where 40% reported that up to half their company's user base is still on 2G networks. Despite existing network coverage, many users remain offline because affordability still prevents underserved consumers from fully participating in the digital economy – a challenge CloudMosa has termed the 'B-Gap'. In the Philippines, 66% of telco leaders cite costly data plans as consumers' top barriers in transitioning to 4G and beyond. Vietnam and India follow closely, with 57% and 51% reflecting a similar sentiment. While more users are aiming to upgrade to smartphones – 73% in Vietnam and 62% in the Philippines – many still lean on feature phones given cost limitations. Seventy-five percent of Indian users still prefer traditional feature phones, driven by cost, simplicity, and reliability. ADVERTISEMENT While the rest of the world is rushing towards 5G, these users present the region's most overlooked commercial opportunity and telcos are uniquely positioned to move them up the value chain to ultimately close this gap. Doing so will unlock revenue, drive education, employment, economic mobility, and social inclusion. Why inclusion is now a business imperative As telcos continue to grapple with legacy network costs, stagnant average rate per user, or how to expand to underserved markets, digital inclusion is no longer a CSR initiative. It is becoming a critical commercial strategy to reach more users across digitally ascending markets. A staggering 97% of industry players across three markets pointed to digital inclusion as a central component of their business strategy, with the biggest driver being bridging the digital divide (71%), followed by aligning with CSR goals (56%). More than half (53%) see inclusion helping with market expansion, customer retention and loyalty. The benefits are multifaceted, but the bottom line is clear: digital inclusion is a business growth engine that telcos can't afford to ignore. Driving the future of inclusive connectivity While tech affordability has long been a challenge, key players are now presented with a solution in the form of cloud-based mobile devices to reach wider communities. Developed by CloudMosa, Cloud Phone is a breakthrough solution that transforms low-cost feature phones into modern, internet-capable devices. By shifting computing and data processing to the cloud, Cloud Phone delivers seamless online experiences that were previously out of reach for users on basic handsets. In fact, telco leaders feel positively about this technology in helping to bridge the gap for billions of people worldwide that still lack crucial access. Ninety-one percent believe this solution can help close the B-Gap, with another 90% interested in its potential to dramatically improve UX for low-income users. Eighty-five percent have even cited running premium applications on low-cost devices as an attractive feature. 'We're not just bringing the internet to feature phones — we're unlocking opportunity for billions,' Shen added. 'What we've built with Cloud Phone introduces a new growth model for telecom carriers, phone manufacturers and content providers. We want to show the mobile ecosystem how doing good doesn't need to come at the expense of profitability. Telcos can still achieve commercial success while providing solutions that meet people where they are.' What's next: The business playbook for telcos Traditionally viewed as low revenue customers, 2G feature phone users now represent a significant untapped opportunity. With cloud-based solutions reducing device and data costs, telcos can serve this segment profitably, offering app-based services on feature phones that operate like smartphones. Solutions such as Cloud Phone offer a high-margin innovation platform to tackle the challenges telcos are facing by unlocking new growth while enabling digital transformation and wider business goals. Along with the right partnerships and business models, telcos can transform inclusion into real impact. Download the B-Gap Barometer here: For more information on CloudMosa, click here for the full press kit. Hashtag: #CloudMosa The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About the B-Gap Barometer Report From March to April 2025, CloudMosa fielded an online survey in partnership with Rakuten Insights that garnered 465 respondents, both through qualitative interviews and quantitative survey. This report aims to shed light on telecommunication carriers' perceptions of the B-Gap — the affordability barrier keeping the last 2.7 million people offline. Respondent demographics include senior and mid-level telecommunications executives across India, Vietnam and the Philippines, including mobile network operators, and related businesses. Job titles include: Vice President, Senior Director, General Manager, Head of Department, Director and Manager. More on the report here About CloudMosa CloudMosa is a pioneer in providing cloud computing and remote browser solutions for both the consumer and enterprise sectors. For over a decade, CloudMosa has developed products with unparalleled security, speed, and efficiency for its clients. With a suite of offerings powered by its flagship product, Puffin Cloud Avatar Technology, CloudMosa is committed to reshaping the digital landscape and empowering users for a faster, more secure mobile experience. To learn more about CloudMosa's cloud-powered solutions, visit
