A new report from the Alliance for Affordable Internet warns that a decent internet connection is out of reach for 90 per cent of people in low- and middle-income countries. The finding came as reliable access proved essential during the COVID-19 pandemic, when health, education and work moved online.
The alliance defines "meaningful connectivity" as access to faster, 4G speeds; ownership of a smartphone; and daily, unlimited use in a regular place such as home, work or school. The researchers used mobile phone surveys in nine low- and middle-income countries to estimate meaningful connectivity and found stark inequalities. Only around one in ten people had meaningful connectivity, while about four in ten had basic access. In Colombia two in three people had basic access but only one in four had meaningful connectivity. In Rwanda one in five had basic access and fewer than one in 160 had meaningful connectivity.
The report cites poverty, limited digital skills, lack of electricity and difficult geography as barriers. The UN International Telecommunication Union notes that 2.9 billion people have never used the internet, mainly in East Asia, South Asia, the Pacific Islands, the Caribbean and Africa. The alliance calls on governments and providers to make 4G the minimum, consider lower data charges and support cheaper smartphones. The report also highlights a gender divide and notes related economic losses when women are excluded from the digital world.
- Countries surveyed: Colombia, Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Mozambique, South Africa, Rwanda, India, Indonesia
- An example: a Kenyan worker saved for more than six months to buy a US$90 smartphone and moves to find a stronger connection
Difficult words
- meaningful connectivity — access to faster mobile speeds and regular use
- inequality — large and unfair differences between groupsinequalities
- barrier — something that prevents progress or accessbarriers
- digital skill — ability to use computers and online servicesdigital skills
- provider — company or organisation that supplies a serviceproviders
- gender divide — difference in opportunities between men and women
- economic loss — money lost because of reduced participationeconomic losses
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- What might be the social and economic effects in a country where most people lack meaningful connectivity? Give two examples.
- Which of the report's suggested solutions do you think would be most effective locally: cheaper smartphones, lower data charges, or making 4G the minimum? Explain your reasons.
- How could limited digital skills and lack of electricity together make it harder for people to work or learn online?
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