Toward Universal And Meaningful Connectivity: Strategy To Overcome Affordability Barriers

The challenge of digital affordability persists, with approximately 2.6 billion people, one-third of the global population, still lacking connectivity. While smartphones and broadband access are becoming more affordable in various regions, they remain financially out of reach for vulnerable populations and remote areas. Achieving broadband price target of2% Gross National Income (GNI) per capita is difficult for Least Developed Countries (LDCs). Even for G20 countries, although all of them can meet mobile broadband prices, there are six countries which fail to meet the same price target for fixed broadband. In a scenario where meaningful connectivity exceeds mere access, harnessing digital technologies becomes crucial for enhancing productivity and driving the digital economy through a shift towards more productive activities. The proposed recommendations and scenario outcomes include establishing the discourse on the internet as a civil right, promoting the refurbished smartphone market, implementing targeted subsidies, and fostering collaborative efforts.