UN report finds more work needed on broadband development

The UN-backed Broadband Commission for Digital Development has released its first country-by-country snapshot of the state of broadband deployment worldwide. The report evaluates the roll-out of broadband around the world and tracks progress towards achieving the four targets set by the commission in 2011 for boosting broadband affordability and uptake. It provides rankings for up to 177 countries on economic impact, penetration, national broadband policy, and connecting people and dwellings. The report was released at the sixth meeting of the Commission, held in New York to coincide with the 67th session of the UN General Assembly. 

The report reveals that while household internet access has seen strong growth over the past year and is on track to achieve the target for homes connected to broadband, individual internet use continues to lag behind. ITU analysts believe that mobile broadband could prove the platform for achieving the boost needed to get progress back on track, and at end 2011, there were already almost twice as many mobile broadband subscriptions as fixed broadband connections. 

The report also reinforces the need for policy leadership to facilitate the deployment of broadband; it found some 119 countries now have a national broadband plan or policy in place. Based on interviews, contributions and supporting material from more than 20 experts and their organizations, the report highlights the importance of public-private partnerships in accelerating change. 

It also presents twelve recommendations to speed up the roll-out and deployment of broadband to accelerate progress towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals, and includes 24 ‘featured insights’ from the commission. Set up in 2010 to help find ways to achieve the MDGs, the commission comprises 60 leaders from industry, government, international organizations and NGOs.