Publication : The Inclusive Internet Index. Bridging Digital Divides, The Economist Intelligence Unit
The Inclusive Internet Index: Bridging digital divides is an Economist Intelligence Unit report, commissioned by Internet.org. It assesses the enabling environment for the adoption and beneficial use of the internet in 75 countries. The goal of the Inclusive Internet Index is “to assess and compare countries according to their enabling environment for the beneficial use of the internet” and to outline the current states of internet inclusion around the world.
In the report, countries are ranked across 4 categories:
Availability, i.e. “the quality and breadth of available infrastructure required for access and levels of Internet usage”
Affordability, i.e. “the cost of access relative to income and the level of competition in the Internet marketplace”
Relevance, i.e. “the existence and extent of local language content and relevant content”
Readiness, i.e. “the capacity to access the Internet, including skills, cultural acceptance, and supporting policy”
Internet access provides tools to address challenges such as delivering education and healthcare, increasing energy efficiency, and therefore can help to achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
According to the index, one-fifth of the population is still offline, either because they are unable to use the internet or are not convinced of its value. There was an explosion of mobile phone in the developing world. However, the report argues that connectivity alone is not enough; people must have the skills and the confidence to use internet.
The report main findings show that :
Middle-income countries, such as Malaysia, Kazakhstan and Argentina, outperform more wealthy coutries in developing digital policy through the expansion of digital literacy and education;
Nepal, Tanzania and Senegal are the best-performing low-income countries in enabling internet inclusion;
The capacity to host internet content is a challenge for lower-income countries in Africa and Asia.
To consult the full report and the Inclusive Internet Index click here
