Internet access has become a basic need, enabling people and businesses to more efficiently access information, communicate, collaborate and participate in the global economy. In addition, it facilitates access to education, medical and financial services and government services and can stimulate innovation and economic growth. For this reason, universal connectivity is considered the cornerstone of sustainable development on a global scale.

Germán Otálora, director of the Microsoft Airband program for Latin America, believes that there are entire regions of the planet that do not enjoy this basic service, especially in rural areas. “Unfortunately, those living in rural areas who do not have good connectivity experience higher rates of unemployment and school dropout, and fewer jobs and economic opportunities. Lack of internet access puts rural children at a disadvantage compared to their urban peers. Moreover, this situation can perpetuate economic and social inequalities. Closing the rural-urban connectivity gap should be the priority of development agendas,” says Otálora.

According to an IICA study conducted with the support of Microsoft in 26 Latin American and Caribbean countries, 72 million people living in rural areas of the region still lack connectivity of minimum quality standards. Although an improvement of 12% is observed compared to 2020 – when the number of rural residents without quality connectivity reached 77 million in the region – the truth is that the rural-urban gap increased by 2 points last year. This connectivity gap is a barrier to equitable and inclusive development, both for urban and rural areas.

In the specific case of Ecuador, the study shows that it remains in the mid-level connectivity cluster, surpassing the level of countries such as Bolivia, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Venezuela. In addition, a cooperation agreement was recently signed between MINTEL and Microsoft. The agreements include promoting the expansion of high-speed, low-cost Internet connectivity through the Airband program, through local allies, such as TV White Spaces (TVWS) technology.

While governments’ determination to close the connectivity gap is clear, a large-scale positive impact has yet to be achieved. There is not one solution, but a mix of investments in infrastructure, the design of appropriate public policies, innovation in wireless technologies, private sector programs and actions, and most importantly, collaboration and joint action between the public and private sectors. helping to ensure that rural Latin America has affordable and high-quality internet access, so that no one misses out on opportunities.

According to the Microsoft expert, it is not enough to connect. “It’s about connecting with purpose, as the digital divide is a problem of internet access, but also of the necessary skills to take advantage of the opportunities. Digital skills can help rural people to participate more actively in the global economy, generate income and improve their quality of life, access online services such as banking, healthcare and education, access online resources, to increase their educational attainment.” he concludes. (i)