We’ll be launching the 2017 edition of our annual Affordability Report on Monday, February 20. The report examines the progress being made to enable affordable internet access for all in developing and emerging countries around the world.
With almost half the world now using the internet, what must we do to ensure that the 4 billion people still offline aren’t left in the wake of the digital revolution? Last year’s report issued a stark warning: Without urgent policy action, we will miss our global target of universal, affordable internet access by over 20 years. As a global community, have we made the changes needed to accelerate progress and hit this mark? This year’s Affordability Report will examine which countries have been successful in implementing policies to drive broadband prices down and connect the billions still offline — as well as the stumbling blocks on the road to affordable access for all. The report will also take an in-depth look at the importance of different public access solutions — from public WiFi to community networks — for achieving universal access targets.
The 2017 Affordability Report will be launched at a4ai.org/affordability-report/report/2017 on February 20. Sign up here to be emailed the report when it’s released, or follow us on Twitter @a4a_internet for the latest updates.
Media who would like to request an embargoed copy of the report should email Lauran Potter at lauran.potter@webfoundation.org.