Rich-poor "digital divide" still broad, says UNCTAD

RICH-POOR "DIGITAL DIVIDE" STILL BROAD, SAYS UNCTAD
[SOURCE: Reuters, AUTHOR: Ibon Villelabeitia]
The digital divide between rich and poor countries is narrowing as mobile phones and Internet use become more available, but the developing world still lags far behind, a United Nations report said on Wednesday. The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) said mobile phone subscribers have almost tripled in developing countries over the last five years, and now make up some 58 percent of mobile subscribers worldwide. The report said mobile phones were the main communication tool for small businesses in developing countries, reducing costs and increasing the speed of transactions. Internet use and penetration continue to increase worldwide but developed countries still account for the majority of Internet users and have the highest penetration. UNCTAD said the revolution in information and communication technology was spreading to the developing world but said more had to be done to make sure poorer countries reaped its opportunities in growth and development. Among its recommendations were that countries invest more in human capital and infrastructure and better regulation of cyber laws.
http://www.reuters.com/article/internetNews/idUSL0669876920080206

* Information Economy Report 2007-2008
http://www.unctad.org/Templates/webflyer.asp?docid=9479&intItemID=1397&lang=1&mode=highlights