Policy Recommendations

Definitions. As observed earlier in this report, the goals for “universal meaningful connectivity” can vary greatly, particularly when viewed through different lenses and approaches. For example, what would “meaningful” require when discussing access via mobile vs desktop computer vs new devices such as augmented/virtual reality, and what would it mean when discussing goals sufficient for education or entertainment, other enabled services, or by speeds vs capacity etc?

Methodology and metrics. In this report, we have identified that clearly identifiable and measurable outputs are a content gap which must be plugged if we are to understand how to progress. Apart from “universal meaningful connectivity”, we note that there are different approaches towards “affordability”, and defining “digital skills” has continued to prove elusive on many fronts. Notwithstanding, a harmonized approach is being implemented by UNESCO and thousands of partners around the world to promote media and information literacy competencies for all – integrating information, digital and media skills.

The global community may want to consider the development or, and/or inclusion of a methodology to identify key performance indicators and metrics, to be then tracked and updated on a regular basis. One possible way forward would be a review and consolidation of existing approaches towards connectivity from other multilateral agencies such as the ITU, UNESCO, and UNICEF.

Prioritizing connectivity. While governments should be supporting infrastructure incentives in high-cost areas, demand support initiatives, and digital ecosystem initiatives, countries should avoid falling into a digital chasm of seeking to meet minimum standards only; countries should also be aiming for high-performing, high-capacity connectivity, setting the connectivity ambition bar as high as possible, such as India is doing with broad 5G rollout.

There has been a fundamental shift from supply-driven communications access to demand-driven communication. Research conducted by the GSMA has found that fewer than 5% of the world’s population do not have mobile broadband available. We now need to focus on the Usage Gap to connect the almost 3 billion people who could be, but are not yet, online. GSMA found that people face five main barriers to mobile internet adoption: access, affordability, knowledge and digital skills, relevance, and safety and security. Addressing these barriers to getting online, using and benefiting online services will increase adoption and close this Usage Gap.

Almost 90 per cent of the population in some African countries live within range of a mobile internet signal, however internet use may be 20 per cent or less. Despite increased access to the internet, its use in Africa is generally low as there is very little content generated locally and or available in local languages.  In addition, a lack of awareness, digital skills, and reliable data to steer policy interventions, are preventing individuals from participating fully online.

Policies and initiatives addressing digital literacy, affordable devices, relevant content and maintenance support are powerful tools to increase adoption and close the Usage Gap.

The residual coverage gap, particularly in low density rural areas will be met by a mix of fibre, terrestrial wireless and satellite technologies should be available for funds as is most appropriate. Recent entry into service of Very-High-Throughput Satellites in the Geostationary Orbit as well as new low earth orbit satellite constellations have begun to provide low cost, high quality broadband connectivity to previously inaccessible and costly areas to serve.

For digital transformation to fully benefit everyone and close the digital divide, industry and governments must work together to put high-performing, high-capacity connectivity in place at speed and scale. Governments can broaden the base of contributors by including companies participating in and benefitting from the digital economy. Governments could be ear-marking ICT sector contributions to governments and spending it on initiatives supporting connectivity and adoption goals, and reforming USAFs to be more effective financing mechanisms that support and expand connectivity to ICT services.

Governments could also be exploring policies to incentivize voluntary contributions from new types of contributors, e.g. improving project business cases through cross-collaboration between different public and private, national, and international contributors, and collaborating across public, private, national, and international organizations.

Acknowledging different types of contributions from other stakeholders could also expand the scope of demand. Governments could balance the broadband infrastructure development approach by catalyzing additional stakeholders to contribute to broadband development and via regulatory reform and demand side measures.

Crosscutting and integral to broaden funding is to also ensure that meaningful percentages of funding are allocated to user empowerment through improved media and information literacy and digital skills. This emphasis will bring both economic and social benefits to citizens and governments alike, resulting in a more sustainable digital transformation.