Since its inception in 2010, the UN Broadband Commission has united global leaders from industry, policy circles and academia in a mission to connect the world. Today, almost half of the world’s population uses the Internet for many purposes, including education, entertainment, civic engagement and e-commerce, while nearly a third use social media. According to recent statistics, the milestone of half the world’s population online will soon be reached, representing a momentous achievement.
This report emphasizes the importance of investing in broadband to ensure the digital divide does not widen further.
The report finds steady progress towards the Broadband Commission’s targets. Targets can play a significant role in informing, shaping and influencing policy priorities at the national and regional levels, and a growing number of governments now benchmark the status of broadband in their national broadband plans.
It also reviews the implications of big data and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for development in education, health and our natural environment.