Developing countries could ensure faster economic development if they deploy broadband more rapidly, to make it accessible to a larger percentage of their citizens.
This was a main issue of discussion at the 8th annual Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation (CTO) Forum, which ends today in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
The forum's goal was to identify the policies, regulations, investment options and deployment strategies that are best likely to connect consumers in semi-urban and rural areas in the shortest possible time.
Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, CEO of the organisation, said: “In an era where access to information and connectivity is of paramount importance to help bridge the north-south divide and urban-rural economic disparities, the global community must work in greater concert to ensure every individual has access to basic broadband connectivity for purposes of improved literacy, education, knowledge, commercial and business opportunities, and self-empowerment”.
He also pointed out that broadband connectivity is the surest and cheapest way to integrate disadvantaged communities into the global village. “It is our duty to work together to ensure that those deprived of this basic tool, especially in the under-served regions, are provided this important link to communicate with the outside world.”
During the forum he stressed the need for collaborative partnerships to find creative solutions to broadband availability, affordability and accessibility in developing economies.
Fostering knowledge societies
According to the CTO, the forum examined how the development of broadband networks contributes to both broader economic growth for nations and better regional integration, as well as profitability for ICT operating companies.
The forum's mission was to explore concrete ways to raise awareness of the full potential of the Internet, broadband and other ICTs in developing countries, it added.
Abdul Waheed Khan, Unesco assistant director-general for communication and information, underlined the power of broadband to create the 'knowledge societies' that will spur human and economic development. “The latest ICTs have created new opportunities for the creation, preservation, dissemination and use of information,” he said.
Khan also explained that Unesco aims to create inclusive knowledge societies in which people transform information into knowledge and understanding. “This will help empower them to improve their livelihoods and contribute to social and economic development,” he added.
“Universal access to broadband-enabled applications will be vital for achieving this goal, by delivering quality education, sharing of scientific knowledge, enhancing social cohesion, and promoting cultural diversity,” said Khan.
Basic right
Chairperson of the CTO, Patrick Mwesigwa, stressed that the organisation believes not only in “connectivity for all” but in what it calls “appropriate connectivity for all”. He says the CTO's mission is to reduce global poverty through more efficient utilisation of ICTs, with a development agenda that reflects the priorities of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
Earlier this year, Hamadoun Tour'e, secretary-general of the International Telecommunication Union, said at the World Summit on the Information Society Forum: “In the 21st century, affordable, ubiquitous broadband networks will be as critical to social and economic prosperity as networks like transport, water and power”.
He advised governments to view broadband networks as basic national infrastructure. “Not only does broadband deliver benefits across every sector of society, but it also helps promote social and economic development, and will be key in helping the UN to get the MDGs back on track.”
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