<p>Of the world’s 7 billion people, only 2.7 billion have access to the internet while the vast majority of the 4.3 billion that remain unconnected live in developing countries. The unconnected are typically the world’s poorest and most disadvantaged populations.</p>
<p>Internet connectivity has already changed many aspects of the lives of individuals in developed economies: creating new ways to communicate and socialise, new business models and industries, and more efficient ways for firms and workers to operate. Innovations such as social media, search engines and online marketplaces as well as the convergence of these platforms with nearly all existing activities have permeated society and impacted productivity, economic growth and business creation. These platforms have also changed the way in which public services, healthcare and education are provided and shared. Many governments have recognised the role of internet access in enabling economic activity and social developments and have set out ambitious plans to promote investment in internet access, such as the National Broadband Plan in the US and the Digital Agenda in Europe, and capitalise on this opportunity.</p>
<p>In developing countries, the internet has the potential to do not just the same but more, as it allows the delivery of the knowledge economy of today without the need for some of the infrastructure that these countries have lacked for many years. </p>