Internet for All: A Framework for Accelerating Internet Access and Adoption
The internet has become a pervasive and fundamental part of daily life. Its impact on both economic development and solving problems in areas such as health, education, basic financial services and agriculture is well documented. Still, some 4 billion people – more than 55% of the world’s population – do not use the internet. Many do not have access because they live in hard-to-reach areas or do not have access to digital or other basic infrastructure. Some do not see the benefits of being connected, often because of limited relevant digital content. Still others are illiterate, and many are poor. Inequality – in terms of gender, income or other factors – compounds the problem.
The internet has become a pervasive and fundamental part of daily life. Its impact on both economic development and solving problems in areas such as health, education, basic financial services and agriculture is well documented. Still, some 4 billion people – more than 55% of the world’s population – do not use the internet. Many do not have access because they live in hard-to-reach areas or do not have access to digital or other basic infrastructure. Some do not see the benefits of being connected, often because of limited relevant digital content. Still others are illiterate, and many are poor. Inequality – in terms of gender, income or other factors – compounds the problem.