The world has rapidly evolved digitally and subsequently, Internet access is no longer a luxury as it once was – it’s now a necessity. Connectivity opens the door to so many opportunities from online learning and finding employment to accessing healthcare and managing finances.
Despite these recognised benefits of being able to access the Internet, millions of people globally are still forced to go without it. This limited or no access at all is often referred to as the ‘digital divide’, and remains a prevalent issue in today’s connected society.
As the digital divide continues to grow, so does the gap between those who have connectivity and those in rural areas, developing countries or households with a lower income.
However, things could be changing with the development of broadband. Offering more flexible and cost-effective Internet to these affected areas could bring them much closer to connectivity than they ever have been.
Why Does The Digital Divide Exist?
There are a couple of factors that have had a role to play in making the digital divide what it is today. Typically in remote areas or those that are difficult to access, laying fibre-optic cables is a costly undertaking that can be logistically challenging to carry out.
Additionally, households in the lower-income bracket may be unable to afford the Internet services or the devices needed to use it even if some access was available.
How Is Broadband Bridging The Digital Divide?
Broadband, and mobile broadband more specifically, is attempting to narrow the divide that exists by offering widespread Internet access that is more affordable.
Mobile broadband relies on cellular networks to be able to work, unlike traditional wired connections. This eliminates the need for expensive infrastructure, thus giving remote areas the opportunity to access the Internet.
The expansion of 4G and 5G networks are also bringing high-speed Internet to areas that previously had very limited access, or none at all.
This is certainly a step in the right direction, and a few experts have shared their thoughts on how they think broadband is a key player in closing the gap between those who have Internet access and those who don’t.
Our Experts
- Matthias Woggon: CEO & Co-Founder at Eyefactive GmBH.
- Jacob Kalvo: CEO & Co-Founder at Live Proxies.
- Elizabeth Anderson: CEO at Digital Poverty Alliance.
- Abubakar Manzo: Engineering Manager of Space & Connectivity at Access Partnership.
- Olly Sedden: Director of Product, Commercial & Marketing at Dotlines UK.
Matthias Woggon, CEO & Co-Founder at Eyefactive GmBH
Equally exciting is the extension of the fiber-optic network and
satellite-based broadband into remote, previously unconnected regions.
Such technologies are allowing schools, businesses, and individuals to
participate in the digital economy in ways they never could have
previously imagined.
At eyefactive, we develop interactive multitouch systems and very well
know how important reliable broadband is in powering such innovative
technologies. Be it interactive learning tools in classrooms or digital
collaboration in work environments, seamless integration requires strong
internet infrastructure.
Upcoming 5G networks and low-latency
connections also contribute much to the fact that interactive solutions
like ours can operate seamlessly across different sectors. With ever
more broadband solutions continuing to roll out, the world will approach
true digital universality, where more people will be empowered to
innovate, learn, and connect, having all the tools in their pocket.
Jacob Kalvo, CEO & Co-Founder at Live Proxies
Among the biggest barriers, infrastructure has been one: traditional broadband requires a heavy backbone of fiber-optic lines, which is very expensive and labor-intensive to lay out. However, this dynamic is quickly shifting with the arrival of satellite internet, 5G technology, and fixed wireless solutions. Companies like Starlink are utilising low-Earth orbit satellites for reliable internet access in rural and hard-to-reach areas, while 5G networks extend their reach, lowering latency and increasing speeds for online education, remote work, and telehealth services.
Here at Live Proxies, we have seen the power of dependable internet access bestowed upon businesses and individuals. Residential proxies from our services let users enjoy global content without restrictions and in safety, something particularly valued in areas with restricted digital freedom. The evolution of broadband is about more than speed: it is about access, security, and inclusion. Thanks to innovative solutions, we will move into a world where your geography no longer determines your opportunities in the digital economy and space, enabling more people to contribute to the digital economy and society. It has to be adaptable, scalable, and secure for broadband to become a solution where no one will lag behind in this digital revolution.
Elizabeth Anderson, CEO at Digital Poverty Alliance
The ongoing rollout of gigabit connectivity can make a transformative difference to the lives of people across the UK, providing fast broadband access to online digital services. Tasks such as online banking, e-learning and booking a digital healthcare appointment are made almost impossible for those without connectivity, so these broadband rollout schemes are vital for the British people. However, the affordability of these services is key – with faster packages often costing much more and being out of reach for those on lower incomes.
Scotland, especially, has proved difficult to reach for broadband providers due to its rural nature but the success of the Tiree rollout highlights the roadmap for creating a connected Scotland. We’d hope to see the Scottish government placing affordable connectivity as a central point within their digital inclusion strategy work, committing substantial investment into high-speed, affordable infrastructure in rural areas to ensure digital quality for all.
Abubakar Manzo, Engineering Manager of Space & Connectivity at Access Partnership.
Olly Sedden, Director of Product, Commercial & Marketing at Dotlines UK
Innovative broadband solutions are playing a crucial role in bridging the digital divide, ensuring that more people can access the opportunities the online world offers. While some larger companies are able to offer social broadband tariffs, which provide an important lifeline for some, these are only viable when you have a large enough customer base to absorb the cost. Smaller providers simply don’t have that luxury, as they lack the scale to subsidise discounted tariffs without compromising their own financial stability.
That’s why providers like Carnival Internet are exploring new ways to make a difference. Rather than offering discounted tariffs, smaller providers are embedding social impact into their business models in other ways. For example, at Carnival Internet, we’re donating a portion of customer bills to charities that refurbish and redistribute unwanted tech to those in need. This not only helps more people get online who can’t afford the devices, but also reduces e-waste, keeping old devices out of landfills.
By partnering with charities, engaging customer communities, and promoting device donation schemes, companies can drive real change beyond just connectivity. We believe broadband businesses have both the power and the responsibility to make a meaningful difference.
