Sarpong is hopeful the crisis will break through long-existing barriers to internet access — from a lack of political will to regulatory hurdles and data affordability — to get more of the world connected. Among their immediate recommendations are: removing consumer taxes on internet services; cutting out data charges for public websites; providing affordable data packages; expanding broadband allowances; and rolling out free public wifi infrastructure. Some are already taking these steps"Governments need to look at internet access, not as a luxury, but to see it as an enabler that can transform their economies ... Distraught, Bai ended up on the doorstep of Ombati Prajapati, who runs a digital services shop in her village. But, as governments try to roll out digital services to the neediest, the question remains: Who gets a device and who doesn't?

Source: CNN June 07, 2020 07:07 UTC