About Half Of The World Has No Internet Access, UN Reports

Recent reports from the United Nation reveal that almost half of the world's population still has no access to internet. The study shows that most of those included are women, the poor and the elderly.

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) section of the United Nation reported last week that people who has online access increased to 47.1 percent from 43 percent in year 2015. According to the study, mobile networks have played a crucial role in spreading online use across the globe.

The report disclosed that the main challenge of providing online access to most of the world's population is the cost of putting up satellites and providing cheaper digital gadgets to areas that are out of reach. "This suggests that many people are yet to benefit fully from the opportunities brought by the Internet," the report says.

According to Indian Express, the fixed broadband access remained unaffordable even when the price fell over the years. This holds very true to the world's poorest countries. Today, the average cost to have a fixed internet access is at $25. Back in year 2008, internet connection costs $80. This is mainly the cost in developed countries since the cost gets more expensive in poorer countries.

"The Internet is one of the great equalizers in life, and the world needs to work together to get everyone on the Internet," expresses ZK Research analyst Zeus Kerravala. "It's very frustrating. There are pockets of activity of bringing the Internet everywhere, but it tends to be at a country level not a global one," he added.

Telesur TV notes that the United Nation wants to reach 60 percent of the world to get internet access by year 2020. UN's report also noted that developing countries are way behind developed countries in terms of internet access and innovation.