Technology is playing an increasingly important role in our contemporary world. It is used to access education, health services, economic opportunities, government resources, and to engage in civic activities. Access to technology is essential to ensure equal opportunities, and to promote equal rights, regardless of where a person lives, their educational background, or other factors.
Different countries around the world strive to facilitate access to technology to all people, as information and communication technologies (ICTs) are essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals set by the United Nations. In this article, the ways in which countries are ensuring access to technology will be discussed.
Overview of Reasons why Access to Technology is Essential
Before delving into specific examples of how countries are ensuring access to technology, it is first important to understands the potential outcomes of such efforts. Access to technology gives people access to resources and services that would otherwise be unavailable to them. People can benefit from using technology in order to gain access to education, healthcare services, economic opportunities, and government resources. Technology is also important for engaging in civic activities and for creating a sense of connection with other people. This can be especially important for certain demographics, such as people living in remote, rural areas, where access to the internet provides them with the possibility to stay informed about their environment and reconnect with family and friends.
Access to technology also has the potential to promote economic growth. Increased access to resources and services allow businesses to operate more effectively and efficiently. Developing countries, in particular, can benefit to a great extent by having access to technology. Access to the internet gives businesses the opportunity to reach new markets and customers, while enabling them to become more competitive in the global economy.
Additionally, increased access to technology can have positive implications for government policy, as people can actively engage in policy making and have a say in the decision making process. Technology can also improve public services, promote transparency and accountability of governments, and facilitate access to information and communication resources.
Finally, access to the internet and other digital communication technologies can help bridge the gap between the digital divide and can provide people with essential tools and resources to study, work and communicate.
Strategies Countries Use to Ensure Access to Technology
Countries around the world are increasingly recognizing the importance of providing access to technology to all citizens. There are a variety of strategies used to ensure access to technology, ranging from providing infrastructure and subsidies, to launching platforms and campaigns.
Infrastructure
In order to ensure access to technology, it is essential to provide the necessary infrastructure. This includes installing telecommunication cables and building cell towers, as well as providing internet access by satellite. In remote, rural areas, it can be difficult to provide access to technology due to technological, economic and geographical constraints. In order to overcome such limitations, governments are increasingly turning to wireless technologies such as Wi-Fi, LTE and 5G. This enables people to have access to the internet from any location.
Subsidies and Grants
In addition to providing the necessary infrastructure, governments also rely on providing subsidies and grants in order to ensure access to technology for all citizens. For example, the US government provides grants for networks and technology upgrades, as well as offering subsidies for updates to infrastructure. Additionally, certain countries even have their own Universal Service Funds (USF), which provide subsidies to citizens in order to access the internet and other digital communication technologies.
Platforms
As well as providing the necessary infrastructure and subsidies to ensure access to technology, governments are also setting up platforms to facilitate access. These platforms can range from offering free Wi-Fi access to setting up websites to provide essential services and resources. In India, for instance, the government has set up the National Digital Literacy Mission (NDLM), which offers free training and certification to citizens in order to help them become digitally literate.
Campaigns
Many countries also launch campaigns in order to promote access to technology and to encourage citizens to take advantage of available services and resources. For example, the UK government has launched a nationwide campaign called Get Online Week, which encourages people to maximize the potential of technology and to make use of available digital resources. Other countries, such as Nepal and Egypt, have also launched campaigns to promote access to technology and digital literacy.
Access to technology is essential in order to provide everyone with equal opportunities and enable them to take advantage of available resources. Governments around the world strive to facilitate access to technology through a variety of strategies, ranging from providing infrastructure and subsidies, to launching platforms and campaigns. These efforts are essential for promoting economic growth, improving government policy, and bridging the digital divide. By ensuring access to technology, governments can promote a more equitable and just society for all citizens.
