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How has internet access impacted your education or career, and how might life differ without it?
What barriers do you think prevent people in underserved areas from accessing the internet, and how could they be overcome?
How could you use your skills and knowledge to help bridge the digital divide in your community or globally?
Dive deeper into the topic to understand the causes and solutions for the global digital divide. Together, we can envision a world where everyone has the opportunity to connect, grow, and thrive.
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Internet access has transformed the way we live, learn, and work. However, more than 2.6 billion people worldwide remain disconnected, unable to benefit from one of the most revolutionary inventions in history. This article explores the reasons behind the digital divide and the initiatives working to close it.
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According to the latest report, the region with the highest internet penetration currently remains Northern Europe (97.6%), but the second place now goes to North America (96.8%), a position held by Western Europe (92%) in 2023. They are followed by Southern Europe (94.5%) and Eastern Europe (90.2%). On the other hand, as in 2023, the regions with the lowest internet penetration are Central Africa (32.1%) and East Africa (26.7%).
Since its creation, the internet has evolved from a limited tool to an essential resource for education, business, and health. Lack of connectivity restricts access to opportunities such as:
Despite advancements, many people are still unable to take advantage of these opportunities.
Infrastructure Deficiency
About 5% of the global population lives in rural or low-income areas without mobile internet networks. Building infrastructure in these remote locations is costly and complex.
Example: In some regions of Sub-Saharan Africa, setting up telecommunications towers faces geographical and political challenges.
High Costs
The cost of a basic internet subscription in low-income nations can account for up to 9% of the average monthly income, a burden 20 times higher than in high-income countries.
Lack of Digital Skills
Even in areas with affordable connectivity, many people lack basic skills to use the internet or electronic devices. This creates an additional barrier to effective technology use.
Organizations like the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) are leading efforts to connect the unconnected. Key initiatives include:
Digital Skills Training: Programs like the ITU Academy have trained over 300,000 people in remote communities, enhancing their economic and social opportunities.
As technology evolves, the challenge of closing the digital divide becomes increasingly complex. For example, while 89% of the population in high-income nations has access to 5G networks, only 1% in low-income countries can access this advanced technology.
Although progress is steady, technological inequalities continue to emerge with each new generation of technology, perpetuating a digital divide that requires ongoing attention.
Closing the digital divide is not just about providing internet access; it also involves ensuring people have the tools and skills needed to make the most of it. This collective effort has the potential to transform lives, create opportunities, and contribute to global development.
Digital connectivity is just the beginning. For those interested in leading technological and social initiatives that drive change, Atlantic International University offers flexible programs in technology, innovation, and global development. Expand your knowledge and prepare to make a difference in a connected world.
Also, you can learn more about this and other interesting topics in AIU’s, wide range of recorded classes that cover various subjects of interest and that can be very useful to expand your knowledge. If this topic interests you, you can explore related live classes. Our extensive online library is also home to a wealth of knowledge, comprised of miles of e-books, serving as a valuable supplemental resource.
References:
2.6 billion people don’t use the internet. What’s stopping them?
Internet use in the developing world: A case study of an African University.
Examining Internet and Technology Around the World
The number of internet users in the world grows by 1.8% and reaches 5.35 billion (2024)
Measuring digital development: Facts and Figures 2024
The Fact Is That 2.6 Billion People Are Not Connected To The Internet 16 9 Nosubs (video)
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