"This report offers a comprehensive snapshot of the region’s digital landscape, highlighting both remarkable progress and persisting challenges. Ninety-five per cent of the population in this region is covered by mobile broadband networks, and more than half of the countries have already achieved
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universal Internet access. However, as this report highlights, infrastructure alone is insufficient. Although connectivity extends to much of the population, only 70 per cent uses the Internet. Barriers such as affordability, digital skills, and awareness must be addressed to ensure that everyone benefits from digital opportunities.
This report underscores the region’s diversity, reflecting economies at different stages of digital development. From nations spearheading 5G deployment to those grappling with basic connectivity, the disparity is striking. The 82 percentage-point gap in Internet penetration across the region illustrates this reality. Closing these gaps will require tailored strategies that account for each country’s unique socio-economic and geographic context. The concept of universal and meaningful connectivity (UMC) serves as a guiding principle throughout this publication. UMC emphasizes not only access but also the quality of the online experience, ensuring that connectivity leads to tangible socio-economic benefits." (Foreword)
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"[...] While mobile broadband covers over 95 per cent of the population, disparities persist. High-income economies lead in 5G deployment and innovation, while lower-income countries face infrastructure, affordability, and digital literacy gaps. The urban-rural divide remains, and women and marginal
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ized communities still encounter barriers to digital inclusion. Closing these gaps is both an economic necessity and a social imperative, as digital transformation expands access to services and strengthens resilience. Small island developing States (SIDS) in the Pacific face distinct challenges due to their geographic isolation, small populations, and vulnerability to climate change. Reliable connectivity is crucial for economic development, disaster resilience, and access to essential services. To sustain the region’s momentum, achieving universal and meaningful connectivity (UMC) is a policy imperative. UMC enables people to access knowledge, build livelihoods, and connect with their communities while also driving economic growth through digital trade, e-commerce, and innovation. Achieving this goal requires strengthened digital skills, improved regulatory frameworks, resilient infrastructure, and inclusive innovation ecosystems." (Foreword)
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"This publication provides an in-depth look at digital development across the region, revealing both substantial progress and areas where challenges persist. Internet use is widespread, with nearly nine in ten people online. In a milestone achievement, the Americas is the only region to have fully b
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ridged the gender gap in Internet use, with women now more likely to be online than men. Yet, the region’s digital landscape is also defined by contrasts. While North America benefits from advanced policy and regulatory frameworks, parts of Latin America and the Caribbean continue to face barriers in infrastructure deployment, affordability, and regulatory capacity. This is particularly the case for the region’s small island developing States (SIDS) and landlocked developing countries (LLDCs). These disparities highlight the importance of targeted policies and enhanced regional cooperation.
The region must also respond to growing cybersecurity and environmental challenges. The Americas generate nearly a quarter of the world’s e-waste, yet recycling rates remain low and formal collection systems are lacking in many countries. Advancing green digital policies and implementing extended producer responsibility mechanisms will be vital for sustainable digital growth. Reliable, granular, and timely data is essential for designing effective, targeted interventions and supporting progress toward UMC. While the region benefits from strong statistical capacity and several global data leaders, gaps remain – particularly in disaggregated data by gender, age, location, and socio-economic status. This report also highlights powerful examples of progress – from community networks and disaster resilience efforts to initiatives that empower girls and women through digital skills." (Foreword)
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"This publication reveals that the gap between ambition and reality remains wide. Mobile broadband coverage has expanded rapidly, offering most of the population the possibility of going online. And yet, only 38 per cent of the population currently uses the Internet—the lowest rate among all ITU r
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egions. But adoption is just the beginning. Universal and meaningful connectivity (UMC) is a new imperative. Achieving UMC means not only ensuring that everyone can access and use the Internet, but also that they can do so safely, productively, and affordably—whenever and wherever needed. In Africa, this possibility remains the privilege of a few. Gaps in affordability, digital skills, and connectivity quality disproportionately affect rural communities, women, and lower-income populations. These divides are leaving millions behind as the digital economy advances. The challenge is especially acute for Least Developed Countries (LDCs), which make up more than half of the countries in the region. Many of these nations face multiple, compounding barriers to digital inclusion, and require targeted, sustained support.
At the same time, this publication offers reasons for optimism. Africa is home to a growing number of digital pioneers—countries, communities, and individuals who are leading innovative approaches to e-waste management, digital entrepreneurship, accessibility, and regulatory excellence. The case studies in this report demonstrate the transformative power of digital technologies when supported by local leadership, inclusive policies, and international cooperation. Better data is essential to closing the digital divide. Africa faces the greatest connectivity challenges yet has the fewest resources—and the least data. Investing even modestly in measurement can yield outsized returns by identifying where needs are most acute, and which interventions will have the greatest impact." (Foreword)
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"This publication offers a comprehensive overview of digital development in the CIS region. The data reveal a region where nine in ten people are online—well above the global average—and where mobile broadband networks now cover virtually the entire population. These are important milestones. At
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the same time, disparities remain between countries and communities. Fixed broadband is still out of reach for many, ICT regulation is uneven, and digital skills remain limited in key areas. Seven of the nine CIS countries are landlocked, which presents unique challenges for international connectivity, infrastructure deployment, and access to global Internet infrastructure. These constraints make regional collaboration particularly important—not only for physical infrastructure development but also for the harmonization of policies and regulatory frameworks. The second part of this report features case studies that illustrate how digital initiatives are making a tangible impact across the region. From expanding rural broadband access to enhancing youth entrepreneurship and strengthening cybersecurity readiness, these stories highlight the diversity of challenges—and the creativity of responses—emerging across the CIS." (Foreword)
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"This study analyses the costs of connecting to the Internet and providing Internet services in Nigeria for fibre-optic network connectivity, microwave links, mobile broadband cellular links, and cellular communications. The analysis has focused on the capital expenditure (capex) of telecommunicatio
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n equipment, including cost elements such as taxation and licence fees in addition to operational expenditure (opex) in terms of network operation and maintenance costs, including recurring licensing fees.
In terms of report structure, section 1 sets out the background and scope, focusing on key assumptions used and key stakeholders involved. Section 2 looks at the study approach with a specific emphasis on research methodology and scenarios on cost analysis while section 3 analyses the capex and opex for mobile network operators, infrastructure companies, Internet service providers and satellite network operators. Section 4 considers the regulatory framework, especially the key policy instruments affecting the cost of doing business. Section 5 presents recommendations, and the overall conclusions.
The information presented here, builds on and complements the ongoing work of ITU on connectivity and infrastructure mapping and analysis. This technical study has a significant link to universal connectivity as ICT infrastructure remains key to bringing everyone online by 2030. This work will therefore help to shape infrastructure strategies to bring meaningful connectivity to the underserved or unconnected communities.
The study shows clearly that lower capital and operating costs can be achieved by creating a conducive regulatory framework of laws, policies, guidelines and an enabling environment in Nigeria and shows how the development of telecommunications is largely driven by elements such as the costs associated with infrastructure sharing, taxation, electricity availability, ands right of way charges." (Executive summary)
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"Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) face unique development challenges. Higher transportation costs, trade barriers, and limited connectivity impede economic integration. LLDCs rely on neighbouring countries for access to trade routes, resulting in delays and higher costs. These countries also
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tend to lag in investment, limiting resources available for infrastructure and human capital development. Together, these factors undermine competitiveness and slow development. Digital technologies offer transformative potential for LLDCs. Information and communication technologies (ICTs) can mitigate physical barriers by enabling access to global markets, improving logistics and public services, and expanding education and entrepreneurship opportunities. When combined with enabling policies and investment, they can accelerate structural transformation." (Introduction)
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"This white paper summarizes the outcomes of the initial phase of the Digital Infrastructure Investment Initiative (DIII), launched in 2024 by the ITU in collaboration with the International and Regional Development Finance community, and in coordination with the G20 Brazil Presidency. The initiativ
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e also benefitted from the advice and feedback of over 40 organizations who comprised the DIII Working Group.
The aims of the DIII in its initial stage are:
i) Understand the digital infrastructure investment gap and opportunity: Despite the increase in internet usage in recent years, 35% of the global population does not use the internet at sufficient speeds. This percentage increases to 54% in low and lower-middle-income countries, primarily due to the absence of necessary infrastructure. Developing this infrastructure is estimated to require at least USD 1.6 trillion, according to high-level calculations by the DIII.
ii) Develop a framework that describes the key areas that need to be addressed to increase investment and measure a country’s digital infrastructure investment readiness: By exploring the factors affecting investments, the DIII has identified five archetypal challenges that hinder investments in digital infrastructure. These challenges are demand fragmentation, significant gaps in core infrastructure, unclear digital agendas and policies, execution risks, and country risks. The presence and significance of these challenges depend on the context.
iii) Identify innovative financing mechanisms and instruments that international organizations and private or public plurilateral/multilateral financing institutions can implement to accelerate reaching the target of universal and meaningful connectivity by 2030: Closing the digital infrastructure investment gap will necessitate the identification and deployment of innovative financing mechanisms and instruments. Through a series of discussions, the DIII has identified a range of initiatives, including platforms for pooled digital investments and technical forums designed to enhance coordination and share best practices. Detailed in the report, these initiatives aim to enable stakeholders to improve coordination and collaboratively finance infrastructure projects.
With this document, the initiative aims to inspire multistakeholder solutions through innovative financing of digital infrastructure, moving toward the goal of providing universal, meaningful connectivity to the 2.6 billion unconnected individuals across the world by 2030." (Executive summary)
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"In 2011, working with the Communications Regulators’ Association of Southern Africa (CRASA),1 the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in cooperation with the European Commission (EC) published a toolkit on universal access funding and universal service implementation to provide guidance o
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n how to establish, manage and ensure good governance of universal access and service funds. It also offered advice on sources of traditional and new financing mechanisms with relevant good practices and country experiences.
[.] Over the past decade, countries have taken different approaches to universal access and service funding. Ongoing, and in some cases worsened, socio-economic conditions have meant bridging the digital divide is more difficult – the Covid-19 pandemic, systemic poverty and global political uncertainty have all taken a toll.
By the end of 2023, of the 14 CRASA Member States, all part of the Southern African Development Community known as “SADC”, 11 had reported having operational access and service funds. In these countries, laws have been passed establishing funds and setting out specific mandates, the scope of funding, eligible beneficiaries and the governance frameworks for fund operations. The toolkit has been updated to reflect ICT sector changes, such as the evolution of universal access and service, and a wider scope of universal access funding that now covers not only connectivity but also adoption, innovation, and inclusivity. The revised SADC toolkit also addresses the different institutional and legal setups across CRASA Member States and the diverse roles and responsibilities of fund managers. Some of the challenges experienced by fund managers and how these could be addressed are also considered." (Summary)
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"I am pleased to present the 2025 edition of the ICT Development Index (IDI). This is the third edition based on the revised methodology adopted by Member States in 2023. The current IDI is anchored in the concept of universal and meaningful connectivity (UMC), a term coined by ITU in 2021 that has
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since gained broad traction. Many governments and organizations are embracing this concept, based on the premise that realizing the full potential of connectivity requires more than access – it also means addressing barriers such as affordability, digital skills, and connection quality.
On the path to UMC, the IDI serves as an important tool for tracking progress. The 2025 results show continued global advances in connectivity, with nearly all economies improving their performance. It is encouraging that low-income countries tend to be progressing the fastest, although from a low base. Gaps with higher-income countries remain wide.
This edition also presents attention to the situation of Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). While these groups often face significant structural challenges, the IDI sheds light on their evolving digital landscapes and the markedly different trajectories within each group. These internal disparities highlight the importance of context-specific policies and targeted support." (Foreword)
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"We are at an inflection point, where 5G and the ecosystem are set to unleash a wave of innovation. In this Ericsson Mobility Report, we explore how an ecosystem partner is leveraging 5G, network slicing and dynamic Quality of Service (QoS) that will take live broadcasting to a new level, by ensurin
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g seamless, high-quality video streaming – even in crowded environments. The recent advancements in 5G standalone (SA) networks, coupled with the progress in 5G-enabled devices, have led to an ecosystem poised to unlock transformative opportunities for connected creativity. Service providers have recognized this potential of 5G and are beginning to monetize it through innovative service offerings that extend beyond merely selling data plans. To fully realize the potential of 5G, it is essential to continue deploying 5G SA and to further build out mid-band sites. 5G SA capabilities serve as a catalyst for driving new business growth opportunities [...] On the forecast side, we see continued mobile network traffic growth with a 20 percent increase year-on-year, meaning it’s expected to more than double in five years. Fixed Wireless Access is experiencing robust growth and is projected to make up over 35 percent of all new fixed broadband connections by 2030, as service providers capitalize on its flexible and rapid deployment capabilities, offering extensive coverage and an exceptional user experience, compared to other technologies. Finally, we explore the impact of increased usage of GenAI on the consumer side, as it moves from text to voice, video and multimodal. We analyze how GenAI could impact mobile data traffic volumes and characteristics going forward. Differentiated connectivity will be key in enabling a high-quality user experience for these and other conversational applications. There will be no personal AI without mobile." (Letter from the publisher, page 2)
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"The Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development welcomes stakeholders and partners to work on achieving universal and meaningful connectivity by 2030, to ensure not just connectivity, but also that those who are connected have the skills and knowledge to use it. Five considerations for the roa
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d ahead: 1. Defining (and re-defining) measurable goals for “universal meaningful connectivity” to meet today’s needs. 2. Close the Usage Gap by addressing key barriers to people adopting and using the Internet where coverage is available. 3. Broaden contributor base and implement creative funding approaches, including incentivising infrastructure funding, reforming USAF approaches. 4. Alignment and incentivizing funding contributors is key for government connectivity plans, mobilizing all sectors’ pools of capital by removing challenges and barriers to network infrastructure investment. 5. Build network infrastructure policies to last with sustainable and agile plans." (Executive summary)
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"Ghana is among Sub-Saharan Africa’s leaders in digital transformation. Over the past decade, the government has put the key institutions, legislative frameworks, strategies, and policies in place that are necessary to drive change. The Ministry of Communications and Digitalization leads and coord
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inates development and implementation of a core set of policies and strategies that are digitally transforming the government, economy, and society. The ICT for Accelerated Development (ICT4AD) Policy has guided this journey for more than a decade. A new Digital Economy Policy is drafted and under review to drive the next stage of Ghana’s digital development. The National Financial Inclusion and Development Strategy and the National Cyber Security Policy and Strategy have also been key. Ghana adopted an inclusive approach to developing its cybersecurity strategy, which contributed to improved cybersecurity capacity and considered citizens’ online safety and freedoms. However, a clear strategy for protecting critical national infrastructure is missing. Ghana has been a pioneer and champion of digital government transformation in West Africa over the past decade, with funding and support from the World Bank. Important whole-of-government platforms and services have been put in place, including the Government Wide Area Network (GWAN), which provides internet connection to more than 1,000 district assemblies, hospitals, police stations, and post offices across the country; a National Data Center; the Smart workplace suite, which includes email and productivity tools for government employees; and Ghana.gov portal, a one-stop-shop for citizen services. Still, digital government transformation is incomplete. Easy, efficient, online government services are in demand, but the Ghana.gov portal options are limited, and most major government service providers have their own separate online services portals. The national identity Ghana Card could enhance digital service delivery by providing a universally recognized, secure, and easy-to-use means of digital identification and authentication for citizens when accessing both public and private digital services, but the current identification system is not integrated with other government-operated databases, significantly reducing its many potential applications. The Regional Coordinating Councils, and metropolitan, municipal, and district assemblies (MMDAs) are just now embarking on the digital transformation journey. The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development coordinates their efforts. Challenges for Ghana’s remaining efforts at digital government transformation include adequate funding to manage and maintain its connectivity and data center infrastructure, affordable internet for regional governments, inadequate digital literacy and skills among mid-level and regional staff, or related national training programs. A big skill gap exists in cybersecurity; Ghana faces a deficit of skilled cybersecurity professionals. The government also needs to improve efforts at stakeholder engagement and awareness-raising when developing new policy proposals." (Executive summary, pages 11-12)
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"Turkey’s network media economy witnessed substantial growth between 2019 and 2021, especially in the wireless, digital music, digital games, and internet advertising sectors. All told, revenue increased sharply over this period from TRY 65.7 billion to TRY 95.1 billion. This, in turn, was nearly
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a five-fold increase from 2011, when a previous iteration of this study put total revenue across the media economy at TRY 20.4 billion. At the same time, however, traditional content media such as broadcast radio and television, newspapers, magazines, and books experienced minimal growth. The growth in digital content media is the outcome of a number of factors, including but not limited to the increase in mobile device ownership and internet access as well as the shift towards consumption of online information and entertainment. In telecoms and internet access services, Turk Telekom, Turkcell, and Vodafone consolidated their dominance across wireline, wireless, and ISP sectors due to the wellknown forces that drive high levels of concentration within each of these industries—extremely high fixed costs of investment, economies of scale and scope, and network effects—as well as the absence of cross-ownership restrictions. In broadcast television and newspaper sectors, Kalyon and Demiroren, two major conglomerates known for their close ties with the AKP government, wield significant influence. In broadcast television, state-owned TRT maintained its status as one of the key players. Foreign companies secured substantial market shares in various sectors, such as Vodafone in wireline, wireless, and ISP sectors; beIN Media in multichannel video distribution, and CJ Group, UIP, and Warner Bros. in film exhibition. Tech giants Alphabet, Meta and Microsoft dominated core internet sectors." (Conclusion, pages 50-51)
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"Between 2019 and 2021, the combined income of all the sectors studied increased by 44%. The sector with the most significant percentage growth is internet advertising, impacting other traditional media industries (newspapers, radio, and television) which have experienced a decrease in relative mark
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et share. Within the telecommunications sector, notable increases in income from ISPs, stable revenue for mobile telephony, and a decline in revenue from fixed telephony and the multichannel video distribution (MCVD) are observed. Overall, high levels of concentration exist in the media, telecommunications, and internet industries. The internet applications sector shows the highest concentration according to the CR4 indicator, followed by telecommunications, and then the media and cultural industries. When considering the HHI indicator, online news and the written press exhibit lower levels of concentration. Television demonstrates moderate yet important concentration. Compared to Argentina and Brazil, Chile has a higher number of broadcast TV channels competing for audience interest. Conversely, certain internet services showcase very high HHI values, hinting at near-monopoly situations. Over the three years under review, there is relative stability aside from declines in audiovisual streaming services. Netflix, initially facing challenges in Latin America, is now encountering heightened competition." (Executive summa[internal remarks]
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"Ce rapport a constaté une baisse vertigineuse de 1,3 point de pourcentage du produit intérieur brut (PIB) global associé aux coupures d’Internet en juin 2023. Cela se traduit grosso modto par une perte de 76,8 millions de dollars américains (46,86 milliards de francs CFA). Cette perte a princ
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ipalement affecté le secteur des services, qui a subi à lui seul une perte de 5,26 millions de dollars américains (3,23 milliards de francs CFA).
En outre, les marchés financiers ont subi une grande partie des impacts des interruptions, les résultats suggérant que près de 1,43 milliard de dollars américains (871,5 milliards de francs CFA) ont été perdus en capitalisation boursière pendant la période des coupures d’Internet, ce qui représente près de 12 % de la valeur totale de la BRVM à l’époque.
La baisse la plus significative, cependant, semble être tirée par le secteur des exportations, avec une perte substantielle de la valeur des échanges et des volumes qui semblent liés aux coupures d’Internet. Bien que nous ne puissions pas établir de causalité directe, l’analyse des indicateurs économiques complets suggère que la valeur globale des exportations a diminué de 0,6 point de pourcentage, ce qui se traduit par une perte substantielle de près de 2,46 milliards de dollars américains (1,505 trillion de francs CFA). En outre, le volume des exportations du port de Dakar a diminué de 3,93 points de pourcentage, ce qui a entraîné une perte d’environ 42 350 tonnes de marchandises exportées à la suite des coupures d’Internet.
Ces résultats suggèrent que les impacts des interruptions ont une grande portée et qu’ils affectent certains secteurs plus que d’autres. Les résultats de l’enquête révèlent que l’interruption des paiements représente un défi important pour une économie confrontée à une coupure d’Internet. Les estimations de l’impact économique des coupures d’Internet sur le secteur financier confirment cet argument. Il est essentiel que la communauté internationale comprenne mieux ces conséquences économiques afin de faire pression sur les gouvernements pour qu’ils cessent d’avoir recours aux coupures d’Internet et qu’ils mettent en place des dispositifs visant à protéger les économies locales contre d’éventuelles perturbations à l’avenir." (Résumè, page 3)
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"As South Africa adopts reforms to further strengthen its economy across multiple sectors, this country review presents the policy, legislative, and governance frameworks that are enabling South Africa’s digital transformation. It includes a review of key institutions and collaborative digital reg
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ulation practices, as well as common themes related to digital sector policies and frameworks. This review draws on policy, legal, and regulatory instruments in place and it reflects the insights and challenges based on the research and analysis of official document, interviews conducted with public- and private-sector stakeholders and exchanges with the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA). The report also leverages ITU resources, including the Unified framework to assess the state of readiness of policy, governance, and legal frameworks that are enabling digital transformation in South Africa. This country review concludes with high-level recommendations and suggested next steps for collaborative digital regulation and includes considerations of ongoing global discussions related to digital technologies and services." (Introduction)
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"A thriving digital economy depends on all people being able to connect to the internet. Achieving global connectivity requires maintaining and growing the vast network of subsea cables that connect most around the world to the internet. This brief provides an introduction to the current policy and
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regulatory issues relating to subsea internet cables for policymakers in low- and middle-income countries. It adds to the growing body of evidence about the importance of these policy issues by focusing on the significant impact on digital transformation and digital inclusion that these cables represent." (Introduction)
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"In this special edition of ITU's Facts and Figures series, we explore the impressive progress and ongoing obstacles SIDS encounter amid the digital revolution. On the occasion of the fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS4), our goal is to provide stakeholders with
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accurate data to inform their decisions. The connectivity challenge has grown more complex over the last decade. It's insufficient to simply connect the unconnected. Universal and meaningful connectivity – the possibility for everyone to enjoy a safe, satisfying, enriching, productive and online experience at an affordable cost – is the new policy imperative to harness the potential of connectivity and enable digital transformation.
SIDS share common issues: remoteness, limited markets, narrow economic bases, and high costs for energy and infrastructure. Moreover, they are highly vulnerable to climate change impacts, threatening their existence. Digital connectivity is crucial in mitigating these challenges by enabling access to information, facilitating communication, and creating economic opportunities. It can improve disaster response, management, and access to critical services, often constrained by geographic and resource limitations in SIDS. This publication offers a current view of SIDS connectivity and highlights gaps in our understanding, underscoring the urgent need for investment in data infrastructure and statistical capabilities as part of their development strategies." (Foreword)
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"Cumulatively, this research points to the need for increasing efforts to ensure knowledge gaps around the submarine cable are addressed, and that definitions and analyses of topics such as mis- and disinformation, and digital literacy, are developed, shared, and adopted in ways that respond to Timo
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rese concerns and experiences. This would require supporting Timorese-led and owned approaches and solutions to theknowledge gaps, defined through collaboration and consultation with key actors andstakeholders, taking account of the time and resource pressures within which they alreadyoperate. Timorese media leaders and government should be recognised as key stakeholders indigital connectivity research and programmatic initiatives." (Key recommendations)
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