Text CB1A2-II
Internet coverage in the European Union (EU) is
impressive, standing at 100%; however, numbers on de facto
usage (85%), broadband take-up (78%), users with at least basic
digital skills (58%), next-generation access coverage providing at
least 30 Mbps (86%) and 5G readiness (21%) cloud the picture.
The significance of these circumstances does not only lie
in the economic implications but also in the severe consequences
for the individual and the society. People without adequate
Internet access are missing out on means of participation and
opportunities that have become part of everyday life. Countless
contributions have been published on socioeconomic inequalities
relating to access to, use of or impact of ICTs (information and
communication technologies), known as the digital divide(s).
These divides will only deepen, as disconnected citizens are
likely to miss out on long-term benefits of innovation
(information society) and modernization.
The coronavirus pandemic exacerbated the social
inequalities related to insufficient connectivity: privileged users
experienced dropped calls and disrupted downloads, while
disadvantaged users were left with no access at all or with
makeshift solutions.
Internet:<www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank> (adapted).