Almost half of the planet still does not have access to the internet, according to a study
In 2019, internet access became available to 51% of the world's population. It was the first year in which connectivity surpassed 50%. However, the index shows that, despite the World Computer Network having gained importance in the most diverse social spheres in the last 20 years, almost half of the population still does not have this resource. The information is presented and discussed in the report " State of Broadband 2019 ", by the Broadband Commission, a group that brings together representatives of companies and the United Nations.
When considering households, the index increases, reaching 57.8%. In 2005, 19% of homes were able to surf the web. However, when considering fixed broadband, the percentage drops to 14%. The growth rate of connectivity in homes, on the other hand, decelerated, having gone from 53% to 54.8% between 2017 and 2018. In poorer countries, the growth rate dropped from 19% in 2017 to 17.5% in 2018.
The analysis of the presence of homes served by fixed broadband services is considered important by researchers since mobile connections in general have limitations for the full enjoyment of services, such as franchises that restrict the consumption, for example, of videos on reasonable amount.
Broadband is the term used for connectivity with a speed of at least 256 kbps and ensuring a minimum set of online activities, such as visiting websites and communication applications. The 51% rate is still far from the target of reaching 75% penetration by 2025.
inequalities
The report points out that in addition to half of the population being out of the internet, there are important inequalities among those connected. “The existing distances in the adoption of connectivity are driven by gaps of different types: geographies (urban vs. rural areas), income (rich vs. poor), age and gender, among others”, highlights the report.
While poor quality connection was cited by 43% in poorer countries, the problem was mentioned by 25% of respondents in richer nations. Another clearer example is the price of packages between different regions of the globe. While the price of a 1 gig franchise in South Asian countries consumes 1.2% of the average monthly income, in Sub-Saharan Africa the service costs the equivalent of 6.8% of the average monthly income.
networks
However, according to the report, infrastructure has advanced and is now present in locations comprising 96% of the world's population. International data traffic is carried out by 400 submarine cables, spanning 1.2 million kilometers, and by 775 satellites operating in communication services in Earth's orbit.
In the mobile ecosystem, 2018 was the year in which 4G technology became hegemonic, surpassing 2G, accounting for 44% of mobile connections. Citing data from the GSMA consultancy, the document emphasizes that 5G, the new technological paradigm of mobile services, has become “a reality”.
Last year, the new standard was launched in the United States and South Korea. In 2019, it is expected that it will be offered in 16 new countries. The GSMA expects that by 2025 there will be 1.4 billion connections, around 15% of the total base.
crossroads
For the authors, the Internet is at a “crossroads”. "There is growing recognition that challenges and risks call for specific policies and regulations, as well as new business approaches and industry initiatives aimed at mitigating unintended effects and negative outcomes of internet adoption."
The document emphasizes that people cannot only be divided between users and non-users, but the diversity of forms of connectivity and online experiences must be understood. Recognizing these specificities involves considering the most vulnerable audiences in their presence on the web. Women are subject to harassment, harassment and hate speech on the web. Children are victims of abuse, exploitation and bullying.
Given the variety of forms of access, the authors defend what they call “relevant universal connectivity”. This notion involves a broadband “available, accessible, relevant, cheap, secure, reliable and that empowers users leading to positive impacts”. This perception also takes into account not only the cost, but different motivators to connect and have quality experiences in the online environment.
Modalities of use
Considering the variety of experiences, the report provides data on different types of activities on the web (see graph). Exchanging messages through apps like Whatsapp and FB Messenger is the most popular, followed by social networks, online connections and reading news. Actions vary according to income, with the practice of obtaining information and buying products being more common in richer countries.
Text translated using artificial intelligence.
