Access to the internet has become almost as essential as access to water and electricity, but many Caribbean countries still have not made it a true priority. We thus discuss the widening digital divide and what our countries should be doing to more decisively tackle the issue.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
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For at least the past 15 years, especially as internet access became cheaper and more extensively deployed, there has been a growing concern about the widening digital divide. Typically, when we use the term \u2018digital divide\u2019, it refers to the gap between individuals, households, businesses, or geographic areas that have access to ICTs, such as the internet, and those that do not. Frequently, and in the first instance, the digital divide is about connectivity gaps, or an access divide, where rural areas, low-income communities, and underserved populations are often disproportionately affected by limited access to broadband networks and services, but it can also include limited access to suitable devices. However, other forms of a digital divide are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Generally, when a digital divide is evident, two or more of the above forms are usually at play, which in turn exacerbates its impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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It should thus come as no surprise the grave concern that has been expressed about the internet connectivity challenges that have been experienced in Potaro-Siparuni region (Region 8) in Guyana. According to recent reports (see Kaieteur News<\/a> and BNN<\/a>), residents in that region, which in 2017 numbered just over 11,000 (Source:\u00a0 UNICEF<\/a>), have not had access to reliable telecoms services. Further, residents were being charged GYD 1,000.00 (or approximately USD 4.80) per hour for internet service, when in other parts of the country, around GYD 500 (or about USD 2.40) could buy one-day mobile bundle, whilst around GYD 800.00 (or about USD 3.80) can buy a three-day bundle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Noting that the digital divide is often multifaceted, it is critical that we do not underestimate the impact it is having on our societies. Access divide is often the first focus, but since we use mobile\/cellular subscription density to give insight into the connectivity level of a country, we often overlook the fact that subscription density is uneven across a country, and a wide variation tends to exist between the numbers connected in rural versus urban areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Additionally, the usage and skills divides tend not to get much attention. Again, we focus on subscription density, but do not appreciate the wide disparity in the quality of the devices individuals are using and the types of activities in which they are engaged. A commonly mentioned point is the extent to which Caribbean people are on social media, especially Instagram and TikTok, and consequently, the amount of time they spend. However, digital skills and usage may still be limited, which would be even more acute when access and affordability issues (the economic divide) are also present.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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In many of the articles about the Potaro-Siparuni issue, several views were expressed about how the situation should be remedied, which tended to focus on increased accountability by the Internet Service Providers operating in that region \u2013 although noting that there might be no viable business model to provide service in that Region 8. However, there is a bigger picture that many Caribbean governments tend to overlook.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Most of our countries do not have a clear vision of where we would like to be, what we want to achieve, and consequently, what are our priorities and strategies to get there. Inclusion is often raised, but what does that mean? Who is included? And how do we ensure that none of those who should be included is left behind?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In other words, we need to be clearer about our intentions. Thereafter, we need to establish clear steps to take us from where we are to where we would like to be. As it relates to underserved communities and the widening digital divide, that is where a Universal Access\/Service programme, for example, can be a critical tool, in addition to other initiatives the government might wish to support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ultimately, bridging the digital divide and ensuring internet connectivity in rural areas and other underserved areas is not only a matter of equity but also essential for achieving sustainable development and inclusive growth. However, we, as countries, need to be honest about digital inclusion and how we intend to address it, if we are ever to have the chance to narrow that still growing divide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Image credit: Discover Savsat (Unsplash<\/a>)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n