The COVID-19 pandemic and digital connectivity in Least Developed Countries (LDCs)
Introduction
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the lack of digital preparedness in Least Developed Countries (LDCs). Limited access to high-speed networks has hindered remote learning, e-government services, and online shopping for many individuals and businesses in LDCs.
Update on digital connectivity in LDCs
This report provides an update on digital connectivity developments in LDCs since the publication of “ICTs, LDCs and the SDGs: Achieving universal and affordable Internet in the Least Developed Countries” in 2018. The report focuses on the progress made towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Target 9.c, which specifically addresses digital connectivity in LDCs.
Progress towards SDG Target 9.c
SDG Target 9.c calls on States to significantly increase access to information and communications technology and strive to provide universal and affordable access to the Internet in LDCs. However, as of the 2020 deadline, only two LDCs, Bangladesh and Bhutan, have achieved universality and affordability. Some other LDCs are on track to reach the target by the end of the decade, but more than two dozen LDCs have not met or come close to meeting either aspect of the target. While Internet coverage and pricing are improving for some LDCs, Internet use is not keeping pace. Many individuals in LDCs have the theoretical ability to access the Internet but do not utilize it due to a lack of awareness and digital skills.
Digital connectivity challenges in LDCs
In 2020, the 46 LDCs had a combined population of 1.06 billion people and were highly vulnerable with low levels of human development. However, geographical location, population size, and income disparities within the group have led to varying levels of digital development.
National data infrastructure gaps
National data infrastructure, including transmission networks, Internet exchange points (IXPs), and data centers, is crucial for a digital economy. However, there are significant gaps in these areas in LDCs. National transmission networks are lagging, resulting in limited Internet access and service quality. Nineteen LDCs lack IXPs, which play a vital role in reducing Internet access costs and data exchange delays. Data centers, essential for data storage, are scarce in LDCs, with less than 100 facilities available. Eighteen LDCs do not have Internet-connected data centers.
Challenges in online shopping
During the COVID-19 pandemic, online shopping became a popular option worldwide. However, many individuals in LDCs were unable to participate due to a lack of online shops and demand-side constraints such as awareness, distrust, and limited payment methods. The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has initiated diagnostics and provided recommendations to enhance e-commerce in many LDCs.
Role of the private sector
The private sector plays a crucial role in improving digital connectivity in LDCs. Telecommunications in LDCs are primarily operated by private companies, a shift from the past where government ownership was dominant. However, most policy reports do not adequately address the companies responsible for building connectivity infrastructure in LDCs. This report identifies the companies operating in LDCs and discusses the implications of their typology (publicly listed, private unlisted, and full government ownership) for network deployment and transparency.
Statistical information and limitations
Note that some of the statistical information in this report is derived from demand-side surveys conducted between 2016 and 2020. As these surveys use different methodologies and may not cover the same age groups, strict comparisons cannot be made. However, these surveys cover over 90% of the population living in LDCs.
Download the full report here
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
The article primarily focuses on the digital connectivity challenges faced by Least Developed Countries (LDCs). SDG 9 aims to build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation. The article highlights the need to significantly increase access to information and communications technology (ICT) and provide universal and affordable access to the Internet in LDCs, which aligns with SDG 9. Additionally, SDG 17 emphasizes the importance of partnerships to achieve the goals, and the article mentions the role of the private sector in boosting digital connectivity in LDCs.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 9.c: Significantly increase access to information and communications technology and strive to provide universal and affordable access to the Internet in Least Developed Countries.
The article specifically mentions SDG Target 9.c, which focuses on increasing access to ICT and providing universal and affordable access to the Internet in LDCs. The target highlights the need to bridge the digital divide and ensure that people in LDCs can benefit from digital technologies.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Internet coverage and pricing
- Number of people theoretically able to access the Internet but not using it
- Availability of national transmission networks
- Presence of Internet exchange points (IXPs)
- Number of data centres and their connectivity
- Existence of online shops and e-commerce infrastructure
- Private sector involvement in building connectivity infrastructure
The article mentions several indicators that can be used to measure progress towards achieving SDG Target 9.c. These indicators include Internet coverage and pricing, the number of people who have access to the Internet but do not use it, the availability of national transmission networks, the presence of IXPs, the number and connectivity of data centres, the existence of online shops and e-commerce infrastructure, and the involvement of the private sector in building connectivity infrastructure.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | Target 9.c: Significantly increase access to information and communications technology and strive to provide universal and affordable access to the Internet in Least Developed Countries. |
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| SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals | N/A |
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Fuente: un.org
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