FINAL WORD
Telcos must reduce digital divide and carbon emissions
Telcom leaders have already set ambitious internal targets to reduce power consumption and incorporate green initiatives into day-to-day activity says Mike Wolfe at CommScope .
The digital divide still exists in 2023 . Research from the United Nations has revealed that there are still over 2.9 billion people around the world that are not connected to the Internet . Across the MENA region , statistics reveals that 50 % of the population has home Internet subscriptions and 62.7 % of the population enjoys mobile broadband subscriptions . Now , these figures are skewed by the Oil-rich GCC countries where infrastructure is more developed than the rest of the region .
As we move further into 2023 it is important to view the Internet as a utility , and thereby connect the unconnected . That is easier said than done as networks are under constant pressure to cope with increasing demand , while evolving alongside new technologies and remaining flexible for further expansion .
It is critical that everyone across the world has the same access to the opportunities brought about by broadband connectivity . Closing the digital divide will be taking a vital step in facilitating the delivery of a wide range of services and applications to improve business efficiency and productivity – as well as enhancing everyday lives .
With various governments in the region investing in digital transformation and infrastructure , it will provide long-term and far-reaching benefits – economically and socially . Although we still have a long way to go when it comes to bridging this divide , the future looks promising . By working together , we can make broadband for everyone a reality .
74 INTELLIGENTCIO AFRICA www . intelligentcio . com