The GSMA has highlighted four key enablers that are critical for mobile internet connectivity to flourish, warning that there is no silver bullet that will result in universal access.
GSMA, which represents the interests of mobile network operators worldwide, is highlighting these enablers on the background of the four billion people across the world who are still offline, unable to benefit from the social and economic development opportunities of the internet.
“Connecting everyone to the internet is in the world’s interest, as a platform to reduce poverty and improve livelihoods. The Mobile Industry has a critical role to play in achieving this goal, with more people using mobile to get online than other technologies,” GSMA said in a press release.
The four enablers, according to GSMA are Infrastructure – high performance mobile network coverage is needed; Affordability – mobile services and devices must be affordably priced for everyone; Consumer Readiness – citizens require awareness and skills to value and use the internet within a cultural environment that promotes gender equality and Content Relevance – every population should be able to access online content and services that is relevant to them and improves their lives.
Meanwhile, the GSMA has promised that it will work with the Mobile Industry and international and national organisations to draw on the key lessons from the first version of the GSMA Mobile Connectivity Index and to improve it going forward.