Finally, it examines the first mile (international connectivity) and associated regulatory challenges facing LDCs in particular the landlocked and small island LDCs. Mobile penetration in terms of number of subscriptions was 33% in 2010 and reached 70% in 2017 (Figure 2.2, left). Although there was slower growth in recent years, this is partly due to disconnections from SIM card registration programs and less of a need for multiple accounts as the price of calling across networks have come down.