Access to Mobile Services and Proof of Identity 2020: The Undisputed Linkages

GSMA released the 2020 edition of Access to Mobile Services and Proof of Identity under the title The Undisputed Linkages which provides updates to last year’s report. The new edition examines various correlations between people’s access to formal identification (ID) and their ability to register for mobile services where governments mandate proof of identity requirements. The paper looks at the required identification for gaining access to mobile connectivity and the ‘mandatory SIM registration’ policies adopted to this aim in 155 countries. The research found that there is a positive correlation between low mobile penetration and low levels of registered population. This suggests a direct relationship between people’s ability to access a government-recognised proof of identity and the level of mobile penetration in that market.