A new report warns that a decent internet connection is out of reach for 90 per cent of people in low- and middle-income countries. Reliable access became more important during the COVID-19 pandemic because health, education and work moved online.
The report uses the idea of "meaningful connectivity". This means access to faster 4G speeds, owning a smartphone and daily, unlimited use in a regular place such as home, work or school. The researchers found only about one in ten people had meaningful connectivity, while about four in ten had basic access. The report asks governments and providers to make 4G the minimum and to lower data and phone costs.
Difficult words
- meaningful connectivity — internet access with good speed and use
- pandemic — serious disease outbreak that spreads worldwide
- access — ability to use or reach something
- provider — company or group that gives a serviceproviders
- unlimited — without any limit or fixed amount
- reliable — something you can trust to work well
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you have reliable internet at home? How often do you use it?
- During the pandemic, did you use the internet for school or work? Explain.
- What could governments and providers do to improve internet access in your area?
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