The Micronesian government recognises the importance of digital connectivity for economic and social development. The Department of Transportation, Communication, and Infrastructure (DTCI) is the primary regulatory body overseeing telecommunications and internet infrastructure. Internet access remains limited and costly for many residents. Micronesia’s geography poses a logistical challenge for internet infrastructure development. FSM relies mainly on satellite connections, which can be costly and less reliable compared to fibre optic systems. However, some progress has been made through projects for the contraction of undersea fibre optic cables. Efforts to increase affordability and accessibility are ongoing, with support from international organisations such as the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank, which have provided financial and technical assistance to expand infrastructure.
Micronesia is part of broader regional initiatives aimed at improving internet access and governance across the Pacific. Organisations such as the Pacific Islands Telecommunications Association (PITA) and the Pacific Community (SPC) work closely with FSM to develop policies, share best practices, and provide technical assistance. These collaborations help address challenges related to internet infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, and capacity-building.
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Internet governance and regulation in Cambodia involve multiple stakeholders, including government authorities, private sector entities, and civil society, who play roles in shaping the policies and practices affecting the internet within the country. The main regulatory body overseeing telecommunications and Internet-related issues is the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications of Cambodia. The government has been actively promoting the expansion of internet access across the country through various initiatives. Efforts include enhancing broadband infrastructure and encouraging investment in mobile networks. As of 2024, internet penetration in Cambodia has seen significant growth with approximately 9.66 million internet users, representing a penetration rate of 56.7% of the total population. Despite the strides in internet access, Cambodia’s e-government services are still evolving. The country’s ranking in the UN E-Government Survey is relatively low compared to other nations in the region.
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The Senegalese government has developed various strategies to kick-start digital transformation in the public sector, aiming to extend the benefits of digitalization to rural and disadvantaged population groups. Despite these efforts, the pace of digitalization in Senegal remains slow, and the country’s digital strategy lacks green approaches for the simultaneous promotion of digital transformation and sustainability, known as the ‘twin transition’.
To address these challenges, the Digital Transformation Center Senegal has been established to ensure sustainable and human-centered development, enabling self-determined digital transformation. The center focuses on improving access to online public services, developing interoperable and inclusive digital administrative services, and bridging the digital skills divide by supporting inclusive digital offerings and providing training, particularly for women in rural areas.
In terms of internet connectivity, as of 2024, approximately 60% of the population had access to the internet, with a significant portion utilising mobile broadband services. However, challenges such as the high cost of mobile broadband subscriptions persist, limiting broader access.
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São Tomé and Príncipe, an archipelago in the Gulf of Guinea, has been actively advancing its digital landscape to foster economic growth and improve public services. As of January 2024, the country reported an internet penetration rate of 57%, with approximately 133,400 users, and about 63,100 social media users, accounting for 26.9% of the population.
The government has initiated the ‘Digital São Tomé and Príncipe Project,’ supported by the World Bank, aiming to enhance telecommunications services and strengthen data governance. Additionally, the ‘National Strategy for Digital Governance’ seeks to align public policies across sectors to improve digital public services. Furthermore, the government is formulating a National Cybersecurity Strategy and Action Plan to safeguard its digital infrastructure and data.
In education, partnerships with organisations like UNICEF have led to the development of digital learning platforms, such as the ‘Learning Passport,’ integrating technology into classrooms and promoting digital literacy among students.
To bolster connectivity, the country connected to the Africa Coast to Europe (ACE) submarine cable in 2012, significantly enhancing internet access and reducing costs.
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Follow Sao Tome and Principe’s digital submarine cables
Japan has made significant strides in digital transformation, establishing a robust framework to enhance its digital infrastructure and services. The establishment of the Digital Agency in September 2021 marked a pivotal step in coordinating national digital initiatives, aiming to streamline government operations and promote digital integration across various sectors.
In the realm of cybersecurity, Japan enacted the Basic Act on Cybersecurity in 2014, laying the foundation for comprehensive cybersecurity policies and strategies. This legislation underscores the nation’s commitment to safeguarding its digital assets and infrastructure.
The government has also implemented a “cloud-by-default” policy, encouraging public agencies to prioritise cloud services in their IT procurements. This initiative aims to modernise public sector IT infrastructure and stimulate broader adoption of cloud technologies nationwide.
In the field of quantum technology, Japan has articulated clear strategies to foster innovation and maintain competitiveness. The Quantum Technology and Innovation Strategy, introduced in 2020, focuses on advancing quantum computing, cryptography, and sensing technologies. Building upon this, the Vision of Quantum Future Society, unveiled in 2022, outlines initiatives to integrate quantum advancements into societal and economic systems, addressing challenges such as industrial growth and sustainability.
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Guatemala is a country in Central America. Guatemala is bordered to the north and west by Mexico; to the northeast by Belize and the Caribbean; to the east by Honduras; to the southeast by El Salvador, and to the south by the Pacific Ocean, respectively. Guatemala is the most populous country in Central America and is the 11th most populous country in the Americas. Guatemala is a representative democracy; its capital and largest city is Nueva Guatemala de la Asunción, also known as Guatemala City, the largest city in Central America.
Eritrea is a country in the Horn of Africa region of Eastern Africa, It is bordered by Ethiopia in the south, Sudan in the west, and Djibouti in the southeast. The northeastern and eastern parts of Eritrea have an extensive coastline along the Red Sea. The nation has a total area of approximately 117,600 km2 (45,406 sq mi), and includes the Dahlak Archipelago and several of the Hanish Islands.
As reported by the Mexican Internet Association, Mexico had 96.8 million internet users by the end of 2022, reflecting a 9.3 percent annual growth. Data from the National System of Statistical and Geographical Information (INEGI) shows that internet access is significantly higher in urban areas, with 81.6 percent of the urban population connected, compared to only 56 percent in rural regions. Approximately 30 percent of the population resides in communities without broadband coverage, leaving them disconnected from the digital ecosystem. Additionally, 98 percent of Mexico’s internet users access the internet via smartphones.
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Internet penetration in Guinea remains relatively low compared to global averages but is steadily increasing. As of recent years, estimates suggest that around 33% of the population has access to the internet. The majority of users access the internet through mobile phones, as mobile broadband is more widespread than fixed-line services. Major mobile providers like Orange Guinea, MTN Guinea, and others have been expanding their 4G networks, which has helped to improve access, particularly in urban areas. Despite this progress, significant barriers to higher internet penetration persist. These include high costs for data plans, limited infrastructure in rural areas, and low digital literacy among the population.
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