A new study by the Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA) reveals a staggering 1.75bn citizens in the world's eight richest countries (by GDP) remain unconnected with 34% residing in major urban centers.
A new study by the Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA) reveals a staggering 1.75bn citizens in the world's eight richest countries (by GDP) remain unconnected with 34% residing in major urban centers. The report, launched today, highlights that the digital divide remains a global problem, despite the fact, that driving universal connectivity is a common priority for all countries.
The new study, undertaken by IHS Markit to mark World Wi-Fi Day, explores the levels of urban and rural connectivity across eight major countries: Brazil, China, Germany, India, Japan, Russia, the UK and the USA. It also uncovers the challenges faced and the initiatives being implemented by five of the world's major cities: Delhi, London, Moscow, New York and Sao Paulo.
Key findings from the report reveal:
Total unconnected individuals (Million)
Internet adoption has been faster in cities than in rural areas, however urban areas still face significant challenges to expanding internet users. These challenges include limited spending power, lack of availability of technology, lack of awareness of benefits gained from using the internet, and also, IT literacy levels.
In both developing and mature markets, availability of affordable internet services is still an obstacle to connectivity. Even among those countries with higher average salaries, the existence of economic and social divides significantly shapes the issue of the digital divide.
The report also highlights the many benefits and opportunities unconnected individuals miss out, from generating savings to personal development as a result of not having access to information and education services. What's more, digital inclusion is an engine for economic growth for cities, nations, and businesses of all sizes as it helps to attract investment, start new companies and stimulate innovation.
"Connectivity is now an essential commodity, much in the same category as power and water. Yet many people in some of the world's major cities are still without an internet connection," said Shrikant Shenwai, CEO of the WBA. "Wi-Fi is playing an instrumental role in helping cities bring wider and more affordable connectivity to its citizens. The WBA is committed to helping cities bridge the digital divide through initiatives like World Wi-Fi Day and our Connected City Advisory Board, and see Wi-Fi as key to bringing connectivity to everyone, everywhere."
"The issue of the urban unconnected is of critical importance the economies and societies around the world. We call on Governments around the world to re-double their focus on connecting the urban unconnected. It's vital that internet access becomes recognized as a human right, and that all stakeholders involved in the provision of broadband work together to make this happen," added Shenwai.
World Wi-Fi Day was launched by the WBA in 2016 to help accelerate the deployment of affordable connectivity globally. The initiative encourages cities and government bodies, as well as operators, service providers, technology vendors and internet giants, to come together to deliver connectivity to everyone, everywhere.