Digital poverty and exclusion are pervasive issues that persist even in the age of interconnectivity. Surprisingly, even in the richest countries, millions of people are left in the shadows without access to broadband. Startling statistics from the US reveal that 14.5 million people, constituting a quarter of America’s rural population, lack broadband access. This stark reality highlights a larger problem: over 3 billion people worldwide are marginalized and left on the fringes of the digital age. Unfortunately, the shift towards online living only exacerbates existing inequalities, limiting access to education, healthcare, job opportunities, and essential services.
However, there is a glimmer of hope in Kerala, a state in south India with a population of approximately 34 million people. The state government, led by a communist party, is spearheading the Kerala Fibre Optical Network (KFON), a groundbreaking initiative. It’s worth noting the irony that a communist government, historically opposed to computer technology, is now at the forefront of this digital crusade. In 2016, Kerala recognized the internet as a fundamental right for its citizens, joining countries like Finland, Costa Rica, and France. Now, the focus is on translating this right into tangible benefits.
Despite facing challenges such as the pandemic and a corruption scandal that led to the arrest of a senior bureaucrat responsible for KFON (he denies the allegations), the project has finally been launched. KFON aims to provide affordable and reliable broadband connectivity to every household, government institution, and business entity in the state using fiber-optic technology.
The project is taking a cautious approach due to delays. Initially, around 14,000 economically disadvantaged households throughout Kerala will receive internet connectivity this month. Impressively, KFON’s extensive network has reached even the remotest areas, including tribal hamlets in far-flung regions like Wayanad. The ultimate goal is to provide free internet connections to 2 million economically disadvantaged households within the next 12 to 18 months. Additionally, the remaining 6 million households in Kerala will have access to a range of affordable data packages, starting from just under 300 rupees (£2.86) per month for a 20 Mbps connection. (For context, rural workers in Kerala earn about 727 rupees a day.)
The impact of this initiative stretches far beyond the provision of internet access. The installation of infrastructure in schools and government buildings is expected to have a multiplier effect on society, bringing significant benefits to healthcare, education, skill development, and business opportunities. Furthermore, the government has launched digital literacy campaigns at the grassroots level, collaborating with local bodies to ensure marginalized communities possess the necessary skills to leverage the internet’s advantages and empower every citizen.
In other parts of the world, particularly low- and middle-income countries, digital interventions like these can accelerate progress towards equitable access to services. For instance, the eSanjeevani project, a free telemedicine service initiated by the Indian government, has achieved an impressive milestone of 125 million tele-consultations in just over three years. It currently stands as the world’s largest government-owned telemedicine platform, serving even the most remote areas of the country. As highlighted by The Economist, India is showcasing its digital infrastructure on the global stage, hoping to lead the way for other nations.
The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored how the digital divide can magnify existing inequities. Discussions within the G20, where India currently holds the presidency, about digital public infrastructure (DPI) are incredibly relevant, especially in societies where internet access is nearly universal. Reflecting on the failures of tech giants like Facebook in connecting the unconnected, Kerala’s KFON project has the potential to demonstrate how political will and innovative thinking can transform the lives of millions.
This article was originally published on The Guardian. Read the original article here: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/jul/05/kerala-digital-inequality-broadband
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