Inequalities keep shifting as knowledge enters market
Information and communication technology (ict) determines growth. This includes cell phone, Internet and broadband service that aids rapid communication and trade
ict boosts productivity and efficiency in business. For example, Thailand had a 10 per cent rise in employees using computers which brought in 3.5 per cent higher productivity. Higher rate of access to ict is key to such growth, poor countries lag far behind the rich in access
The number of cell phone subscribers in developing countries has tripled in the past five years (mostly in China and India), forming 58 per cent of the subscribers worldwide. It is double the number of subscribers in rich economies. There is a wide gap in mobile phone penetration as well
| Internet users: Fast development;for whom? | |
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In 2006, Internet availability in rich countries was six times higher than that in developing countries. Seven of the top 10 countries in terms of broadband penetration were in Europe. Only two, South Korea and Hong Kong, were from the developing world
Developed world might reach an average broadband penetration rate of 28 per cent in 2008 but developing countries are lagging at around 3 per cent
Several developing countries are expanding Internet use through policies to improve
ict access and skills. This will increase competition and the availability of services at competitive prices and investments in
ict infrastructure
ict is a fast changing market. It plays an important role in a competitive information economy. In 2004, exports between developing countries (south to south) exceeded those from developing to developed countries
Developing nations' share in export of services in
ict is growing. China is the world's largest exporter of
ict goods and India leads global sales of
ict services. Foreign investment in the sector is growing in developing countries
| The access,use and penetration of ICT is low in the developing world | |
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