Towards bridging the digital divide using innovative and community-based interventions

Abstract

Access to high-speed broadband infrastructure and services plays a vital role towards achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). However, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) revealed that only 63% of the global population has access to the internet. The gap between those who can and those who cannot access and use broadband services (known as the digital divide) is wider mostly in developing countries. Therefore, closing the digital divide will require some innovative and cost-effective interventions. This paper discusses the two types of the digital divide and explores technical interventions for bridging the digital divide. More specifically, four technical interventions for rolling affordable broadband to rural areas are discussed. The realisation of these interventions will require concerted efforts by policymakers and regulators in developing regions, as well as partnerships between the private and public sectors, and the involvement of affected communities. Furthermore, the sustainability of community owned broadband networks requires the development and implementation of bankable business models. The implementation of the proposed technical interventions would contribute toward closing the digital divide gap between the rural and urban areas.