Broadband the key to bringing ‘education to all’, says UN Broadband Commission

Mobile phones, tablets and e-readers with broadband connectivity could prove the long-sought panacea in the global effort to bring quality, ubiquitous multidisciplinary educational opportunities to people everywhere, especially the world’s poorest or most isolated communities, according to the United Nations Broadband Commission for Digital Development, which held its 11th meeting at UNESCO headquarters in Paris.

“Education is one of the most powerful uses to which broadband connectivity can be put,” said International Telecommunication Union Secretary-General Houlin Zhao. “For the first time in history, mobile broadband gives us the chance to truly bring education to all, regardless of a person’s geographical location, linguistic and cultural frameworks, or ready access to infrastructure like schools and transport. Education will drive entrepreneurship, especially among the young -- which is why we must strive harder to get affordable broadband networks in place which can deliver educational opportunities to children and adults,” he said.