Infrastructure for Digital Connectivity
Theo Lynn, Pierangelo Rosati, Edel Conway, Declan Curran, Grace Fox, Colm O’Gorman
Abstract
Abstract This chapter provides an overview of the growing body of evidence that now documents the positive impact of infrastructure for digital connectivity, as policymakers seek to harness its potential to drive economic development and improve standards of living. However, significant challenges continue to impede the delivery of comprehensive digital connectivity across all social groups and geographical contexts. As ever greater technological advances continue to shape our everyday lives, policymakers must ensure that the existing social and economic digital divide is not exacerbated. This chapter defines infrastructure for digital connectivity, as well as key concepts and terms. This is followed by a review of the economic impact of infrastructure for digital connectivity, most notably broadband, and a discussion of free and municipal Wi-Fi and rural digital hubs. The chapter concludes with an overview of how digital connectivity is measured in international frameworks and composite indices for measuring digital society and the digital economy.