Over the last 10 years, a growing share of the world’s population has gained access to and use of information and communication technology (ICT). Mobile cellular and internet subscription, including connection to broadband, for instance have improved. Despite this progress, digital divide remains, especially with respect to broadband internet.
The most vulnerable countries—the Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS)—still face daunting challenges of integrating the information society. For example, in 2015, fixed, higher quality broadband penetration in LDCs represented less than 1 per cent of subscriptions and mobile phone broadband less than 20 per cent of subscriptions. By comparison, in developed countries, the penetration rate is about 30 per cent for fixed broadband and 90 per cent for mobile broadband. In LDCs, LLDCs and SIDS, access to and utilising the Internet in remote and rural communities is even more challenging.
Part of the reason why access to broadband continues to be very limited in vulnerable countries is that broadband services remain unaffordable. For LLDCs, broadband costs as a share of GNI are comparatively higher than the costs in coastal countries, which have access to submarine communication cables.
Increased investment in ICT infrastructure and maintenance and improved regulatory framework for ICT markets are required. National policies would play an important role in attracting investment in ICT infrastructure and services. The changes should be supported by efforts to expand resources and capacities needed to fully harness ICT, including access to reliable energy, literacy and technical skills.
Launch of the Working Group on Broadband for the Most Vulnerable Countries
"Broadband for national development in four LDCs: Cambodia, Rwanda, Senegal and Vanuatu" report launched at HLPF 2018, on July 12th at 12:30 PM New York time.
Working Group on Broadband for the most vulnerable countries issued its report on 12 July, 2018 which shows how broadband, or high-speed internet helps Least Developed Countries (LDCs) overcome vulnerabilities, grow economies and enhance people's livelihoods.
The report focuses on four LDCs: Cambodia, Rwanda, Senegal and Vanuatu and will highlight progress across the four countries in expanding infrastructure and improving affordability of broadband.
More information about the session here and the panel is composed as follows:
-Moderator: Mr. Amir Dossal, Commissioner of Broadband Commission; President and Chief Executive Officer of the Global Partnerships Forum
-Presentation by Ms. Fekitamoeloa Katoa 'Utoikamanu, Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for LDCs, LLDCs and SIDS (UN-OHRLLS)
-Remarks by H.E. Mr. Odo Tevi, Permanent Representative of Vanuatu to the UN
-Remarks by Ms. Ursula Wynhoven, ITU Representative to the UN, New York Office
-Remarks by the representative of the Broadband Commissioner: Ms. Elizabeth Rojas Levi, Senior Director, Public Affairs & Government Relations, Americas, Nokia Corporation
Key discussant:
-Ms. Vanessa Gray, Head, Least Developed Countries, Small Island Developing States & Emergency Telecommunications Division Telecommunication Development Bureau, ITU
-Mr. Ethan Lucarelli, Director, Regulatory and Public Policy at Inmarsat, on behalf of the Broadband Commissioner, Mr Rupert Pearce (TBC)
Membership
WG comprises the following members:
| Commissioners and External Experts |
Broadband Commissioners: - UN-OHRLLS (Chair)
- Novartis Foundation
- Inmarsat
- Intelsat
- International Telecommunications Satellite Organization (ITSO)
- ISTIC, Malaysia
- Nokia
- Dr. Carlos M. Jarque, America Movil/FCC
- Global Partnerships Forum
- UN Global Pulse
- VEON Ltd.
- Ericsson
- Dr Speranza NDEGE - Kenyatta University
- Huawei
- UNESCO
- ITU
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