Is this field almost flat?

In 2012, the UN declared Internet Access a human right. The UN motion provides for the essential extension of off-line human rights to the on-line world. This is an obvious lynchpin in the global freedom of expression movement. It offers recognition of the fact that internet access is a key driver of development in all of its positive forms. It calls upon governments to “promote and facilitate” access. However, internet access issues remain. Both speed and cost of access are barriers to adoption. But the field is flattening.

Akamai’s Third Quarter, 2013 ‘State of the Internet’ Report released in January 2014 tells us that global internet penetration is up 11% year over year. The document details Swedish multinational Ericsson reporting that the volume of mobile internet traffic is up 80% year over year. Akamai has created a State of the Internet iOs App that is well worth a tour. A few stats from the app:

• 7.1 Mbps Global Average Connection Speed (up 14% Q over Q)
• 27.7 Mbps Global Average Peak Connection Speed (flat Q over Q)
• 53% Global Broadand Adoption (up 5% Q over Q)
• South Korea is at the top of the speed list. Bolivia at the bottom.

Iridium recently released a product called “Go”. Recode covered it well last week. “Go” is a satelitte based Wi-Fi hotspot for the explorer set. It is likely to be sold in the $800 USD range and requires a device (smarthphone or other) to access the web. Iridium’s “Go” may take care of the first-responders in remote situations, and basecamp at Everest, and various high-rollers on safari or expedition, but it doesn’t truly solve the broad issue of access for the masses.

What about the remote and rural?

It appears that the Canadian Government is about to announce in tomorrow’s federal budget that investment in broadband infrastructure will continue. The CBC is reporting that some 280,000 households and businesses can expect targetted funds to be released in this budget to make their connections to the web.

As the field flattens across your country, and around the world, humanity will hopefully soon have an equal kick at the on-line can. Why is increasing Broadband access and adoption critical to global development? A quick read of David Salway’s well-crafted piece at About.com captures it. He suggests the following key reasons:

• Information Access
• Public Safety
• Economic Development
• Healthcare
• Education
• Communications
• SmartGrid (Energy & Resource Conservation)

A simple look at what Khan Academy has done for global education is enough to propel the argument forward in my view. As the Khan Academy landing page says today: “Start Learning Now. Completely Free. Forever.”

I rest my case. /MhD