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Jan 29, 2021
Access to digital technologies has enabled many to work, learn and live during the Covid-19 pandemic.
However, the pandemic has exposed and exacerbated existing gaps and inequalities: almost half of the global population, some 3,6-billion people, remain offline and broadband services are too expensive for 50% of the population in developed countries.
These “connectivity deserts” hamper access to health, education and economic inclusion.
To ensure global and equitable access to the digital economy, the World Economic Forum is launching the Essential Digital Infrastructure and Services Network, or Edison Alliance. The Alliance will work with governments and industries to accelerate digital inclusion. Its goal is to ensure an unprecedented level of cross-sectoral collaboration between the technology industry and other critical sectors of the economy.
Date Time
Tackling Digital Deserts: Launch of First Cross-Sector Alliance to Close Digital Divide
COVID-19 has exposed digital inequities and exacerbated the digital divide; it revealed the affordability challenges in wealthier nations and deepening digital divide – nearly half the world is still not online
World Economic Forum launches the EDISON Alliance to accelerate digital inclusion, address inequality, and connect critical sectors of the economy
It is the first global mobilization of public sector and industry leaders from all industries to ensure everyone can participate in the digital economy
Geneva, Switzerland, 28 January 2021 – – Access to digital technologies has enabled many to work, learn and live during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the pandemic has exposed and exacerbated existing gaps and inequalities: almost half of the global population, some 3.6 billion people, remain offline and broadband services are too expensive for 50% of the population in develo