On track to achieve SDG 9.c on universal and affordable internet access by 2020
Least developed countries (LDCs) are recording impressive progress toward achieving United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9.c on increasing access to information and communication technologies (ICTs) states a new report released by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
The report, ICTs, LDCs and the SDGs: Achieving universal and affordable Internet in the least developed countries, noted that all 47 LDCs have launched 3G services and over 60% of their population are covered by a 3G network. These countries are also on track to reach on average 97% mobile broadband coverage and to make internet prices relatively affordable by 2020.
By the end of 2017, the number of mobile-cellular subscriptions in LDCs had increased to about 700 million, with a penetration of 70%. At the same time, more than 80% of the population in LDCs live within range of a mobile cellular network.
The report has been prepared jointly with the UN Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS). It examines, in detail, progress that LDCs have made in achieving SDG 9.c , which seeks to “significantly increase access to information and communications technology and strive to provide universal and affordable access to the Internet in least developed countries by 2020”.
The report also indicates that ICTs have led to significant development outcomes in LDCs, in particular in the areas of financial inclusion, poverty reduction and improved health.
“Information and communication technologies are transforming lives everywhere and offering vast opportunities for advances in sustainable development,” said ITU Secretary-General Houlin Zhao. “This report indicates that Least Developed Countries are now importantly recognising that, with strong government commitment and enabling policy and regulatory frameworks, universal and affordable internet access for all can be realised.”
“It is vital that all ICT stakeholders from governments, civil society, the private sector and the UN system continue to build momentum through collaboration and sharing of innovative solutions. This will help to close the digital divide and support LDCs to accelerate the development of the ICT sector,” said Fekitamoeloa Katoa ‘Utoikamanu Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for UN-OHRLLS.
“As this report highlights, Least Developed Countries are making major progress. This bodes well for achieving their sustainable development aspirations including those in the Istanbul Programme of Action and Sustainable Development Goals,” she added. “A robust ICT sector will spur home grown innovation, new business opportunities, improved health and education services, and help lift LDCs onto a more prosperous development pathway.”
The report also identifies key barriers to ICT and Internet use in LDCs, including the lack of digital skills. To address the digital skills gap, the report encourages governments to adopt strategic ICT sector plans on building digital skills and enhancing collaboration with the education sector. The report also highlights the importance of policy makers addressing broader socio-economic challenges that lie outside the ICT ecosystem, such as educational levels and gender equality.
