While most parts of the world are taking advantage of technological advancements, there are still some communities being left behind. The digital divide between those who have Broadband access, and those who don’t, is continuing to grow.
Being able to access the Internet opens the door to accessing educational resources, employment opportunities and healthcare services. For low-income communities who are unable to be connected, their personal and economic development is restricted as a result.
The Growing Impact Of Mobile Broadband
With mobile broadband, high-speed Internet can be accessed through wireless networks. Users are then able to connect to the Internet through their devices, such as smartphones or computers.
Students who study through international institutions or aren’t always able to attend physical lectures can use the Internet to access online learning platforms or attend virtual lectures to maintain their studies.
For jobseekers, the Internet connects them to websites and social media platforms to look for available employment roles. Additionally, connectivity also allows for remote work to take place as long as there is a stable broadband connection.
There is no doubt that the Internet has a significant impact on economic development. It has enabled e-commerce, bringing people and businesses together on a global scale where growth opportunities are endless.
Affordability Challenges In Low-Income Communities
Most low-income households may have access to mobile broadband, but the issue lies with affordability. Let’s take a look at a few reasons why this is the case.
Devices Are Costly
Accessing broadband requires the use of a device such as a smartphone. The prices of these devices have become exorbitant, especially for the latest models, and is often out of budget for low-income households. Moreover, upgrading these devices or fixing them if they break can be just as costly.
Expensive Data Plans
Most low-income households have a monthly budget that they need to stick to, and data plans usually can’t be factored into these. Faster speeds and higher data caps require premium plans, and these are often too expensive.
Other Priorities To Focus On
Low-income households may only have one breadwinner in the family, therefore funds need to be allocated accordingly. Other essentials such as food, healthcare and housing will take preference over spending money on mobile broadband.
More Hidden Costs
The costs of devices and data are obvious, but there are usually hidden costs that aren’t always accounted for. Repairing or maintaining devices, upgrading plans or buying additional device accessories are an added cost that most low-income households can’t afford.
How Affordability Could Be Improved
An effort to make mobile broadband more affordable to low-income households would require a multifaceted approach.
The Government’s Role
Partnerships between governments and private companies can be valuable for bringing affordable broadband to low-income areas. Together, they can use their combined resources and knowledge to build the necessary infrastructure and reduce the overall costs of broadband.
Utilising Non-Profit Organisations
Non-profit organisations can set up local broadband networks that can be more affordable to the community. These are usually served at a lower cost than commercial providers, therefore could be more readily accepted by low-income households.
Producing Affordable Technology
Another way in which mobile broadband could be more affordable is if the cost of devices were more cost-effective. By producing and selling basic smartphones and tablets that can still connect to networks, these communities will have the opportunity to access broadband.
Flexible Payment Plans
Network providers could offer flexible payment options where broadband users can pay the minimum instalment on a monthly basis. This makes it easier for low-income households to be able to pay the initial price of a device and a data plan.
Additionally, combining broadband with other services such as it being included in a TV or mobile package could also make it a more attractive and cost-effective option.
Real-World Case Studies
The government in the United Kingdom has rolled out a few initiatives in recent years in an effort to make broadband more affordable. An example of this would be the Superfast Broadband scheme, which offers high-speed Internet to both residences and businesses.
The Everyone On program was implemented to focus on specifically providing low-income households with broadband access. This has been achieved through partnering with a range of service providers to offer subsidised broadband plans.
