Digital Divide: Beyond Coverage

The usage gap explains most of the connectivity problem; 28% of people in Latin America have mobile internet coverage but, for various reasons, do not access the benefits of connectivity: high taxes, unaffordable devices, lack of digital skills. How can demand be incentivized? The coverage gap, which affects 7% of the population, also represents a significant challenge. There are possible alternatives and synergies to complete the universalization of services offering: favorable regulatory environments, incentives, and alternative technological solutions to extend connectivity to remote or more disadvantaged areas.

This session will analyze the state of the digital divide in Latin America, what decisions can include more people in already covered areas, and what uses of various technologies are to close the coverage gap.