Covid-19 impact: digital divide exposed further in emerging markets

Mobile technologies will play a central role in driving Canada’s next phase of economic growth and digital transformation. By 2030, mobile’s contribution is forecast to reach $170 billion, driven by continued adoption of 5G, AI and digital technologies across the economy. Maintaining investment in networks, spectrum and digital infrastructure will be critical to ensuring Canada can fully realise the opportunities of an increasingly connected and AI-driven economy.

Asia Pacific is entering a new phase of digital development. As digital platforms become integral to economic activity, public services, finance, communications and emerging technologies such as AI, trust becomes a critical enabler of digital transformation. This report examines the trust imperative across Asia Pacific, examines the results of the Digital Nations Index in the context of trust, outlines the role of mobile operators as guardians of digital trust, and presents priorities for strengthening the foundations of digital trust for governments, regulators, operators and international cooperation institutions.

Developing Asia Pacific is home to 4.3 billion people – more than half the world’s population. However, 1.2 billion people are not online. Achieving universal connectivity by 2030 will require additional investment of around $184 billion. The economic case for closing this gap is significant. Closing the 4G connectivity gap by 2030 is estimated to deliver a GDP uplift of around $230 billion across Developing Asia Pacific. Universal connectivity would also have several wider socioeconomic benefits such as poverty reduction, improved education and health access, humanitarian assistance and lower carbon emissions. This report presents the findings from a study by GSMA Intelligence on closing the mobile connectivity gap in Developing Asia Pacific, commissioned by the Asian Development Bank.