Bridging the Digital Divide: Global Disparities in Internet Access

The World Bank recently released statistics showing that access to internet services on fixed and mobile devices still varies greatly around the world.

The most recent data from the World Bank has shown striking differences in internet availability around the world, highlighting the ongoing digital divide between distinct geographic areas. In terms of widespread connectivity via landline and mobile internet, many developing countries still need help reaching rich countries.

These statistics illustrate the importance of solving the problem of the unequal availability of ICT (information and communication technologies) on a global scale. According to the World Bank, first world nations have a large excess of mobile cellular customers over their populations.

However, the significant discrepancy in internet availability becomes much more apparent when considering countries such as Pakistan, India and Nigeria. These countries have just 80-90 mobile phone subscriptions for every 100 people, even though they have sizable populations.

This difference hinders their ability to connect and communicate clearly and presents problems for both social and economic progress. The situation worsens in countries such as South Sudan, Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In some countries, there are only 30-50 lines for every 100 people with access to mobile phone subscriptions.

It is difficult to advance in business, healthcare or education due to this significant lack of connection, which exacerbates existing social and economic inequalities. Similarly, Afghanistan, Venezuela and Laos need help to provide adequate access to mobile phone subscriptions, with around 60 subscriptions for every 100 people.

This limited availability prevents millions of individuals from tapping the full potential of digital technologies, including accessing vital information, participating in e-commerce, and connecting to global networks.

It is worth noting that not all individuals in developing countries who own a mobile phone own a smartphone. NewZoo reports penetration rates of 30-40% in Pakistan and Nigeria and 47% in India, leaving a significant portion of the population dependent on feature phones.

Surprisingly, some of these devices are 4G-enabled, providing basic connectivity and access to essential services. While sharing mobile phone subscriptions is a common practice in economically disadvantaged countries, this phenomenon extends globally when it comes to landline Internet access.

Broadband connections have reached unprecedented levels, with up to 40-50 lines per 100 people in Europe and East Asia and a comparable rate of 37 in the US. Unfortunately, the situation is markedly different in many developing countries, where broadband availability and connections are almost non-existent.

The discrepancies in global internet access underscore the urgent need for concerted efforts to bridge the digital divide. World Bank statistics serve as a reminder that encouraging global connectedness, empowering individuals, and supporting socio-economic development depends on everyone having equitable access to technology and digital resources.

Governments, non-governmental organizations and businesses must work together and contribute to the creation of infrastructure, legal frameworks and educational programs that put the reduction of the digital divide first. In this way, we can enable the exchange of information, empower people and communities, and realize the game-changing promise of the digital age.

H/T: Statesman

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