Fast-tracking progress through the Internet

IT is estimated that 4.9 billion of the almost 8 billion people in the world are currently using the Internet, according to the latest report from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). This makes the Internet a leading platform for the way people receive and disseminate information. In the virtual world, information may be accessed or sent instantly, even anonymously, anywhere in the world.

The fast rising number of people online suggests that measures taken during the pandemic—such as widespread lockdowns and school closures, combined with people’s need for access to education, news, government services, e-commerce and online banking—contributed to a Covid connectivity boost that brought more people online since the start of the pandemic, the ITU said.

The 2021 edition of Facts and Figures, ITU’S annual overview of the state of digital connectivity worldwide, shows the number of Internet users globally growing by more than 10 percent in the first year of the pandemic—by far the largest annual increase in a decade. The strong growth since 2019 was largely driven by increases in developing countries, where Internet penetration climbed more than 13 percent. In the 46 Un-designated Least Developed Countries (LDCS), the average increase exceeded 20 percent.

“These statistics show great progress towards ITU’S mission to connect the world,” said Doreen Bogdan-martin, Director of ITU’S Telecommunication Development Bureau, which oversees ITU’S data and analytics work. “But a vast ‘connectivity chasm’ remains in the LDCS, where almost three quarters of people have never connected to the Internet. Women in LDCS are particularly marginalized, with roughly four out of every five still offline.” Many of these “digitally excluded” face formidable challenges including poverty, illiteracy, limited access to electricity, and lack of digital skills and awareness.

“While almost two-thirds of the world’s population is now online, there is a lot more to do to get everyone connected to the Internet,” said ITU Secretary General Houlin Zhao. “ITU will work with all parties to make sure that the building blocks are in place to connect the remaining 2.9 billion. We are determined to ensure no one will be left behind.”

In the Philippines, there are 79.66 million Internet users as of February 2022, which equates to 72.7 percent Internet user penetration rate, according to Statista.com. This means that 30 million Filipinos have no Internet connection. The absence of online connectivity in unserved communities means millions of workers, learners and citizens are excluded and left behind if no solution comes soon.

In his first State of the Nation Address on Monday, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. unveiled his administration’s plan to improve digital connectivity in the Philippines.

“As the world moves into rapid digitalization, the digital divide will be more pronounced. The depth and breadth at which these technologies will be transformative in our lives is fully expected,” the President said. He explained that universal connectivity will be a vital component in ensuring that no Filipino citizen is left behind.

“This will be done through the implementation of the National Broadband Plan, the common tower program, connecting our Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas via our ‘Broadband ng Masa’ project,” the President said, adding that all relevant digital modes—through a combination of terrestrial or submarine fiber optics, wireless and even satellite technology—will be utilized.

With the recent passing of the Public Service Act that removed restrictions on foreign investment, the President sees an increase in foreign direct investment in the information and communications technology sector, including the entry of Internet service providers, such as Elon Musk’s Starlink, which seeks to provide low-latency high-speed Internet service to remote areas where fiber-based ISPS cannot reach.

Most everyone knows there’s nothing new in the President’s plan to deploy a national broadband initiative. But if he makes himself accountable to attain this goal, and he succeeds in closing the digital divide that creates inequalities, Mr. Marcos will indeed be seen as a transformative leader. It would do well for the President to see this initiative through to the end. This is the best way for him to succeed in transforming sleeping communities into vital, prosperous centers for living, working and doing business.