DSA and UK government team to promote digital inclusion

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the Dynamic Spectrum Alliance (DSA) announced a partnership to promote digital inclusion in Brazil, Indonesia, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa by stimulating affordable internet connectivity in underserved regions to support the inclusive growth of the digital ecosystem. The Digital Access Programme (DAP) project aims at establishing the foundation for information and communication technology (ICT) regulators in the countries to promote innovative and flexible spectrum frameworks while supporting the networks of stakeholders that are focused on inclusive connectivity. ‘Digital inclusion barriers also extend to lack of access to devices, digital literacy and skills, and relevant content and services. However, for many communities, connectivity and access to the internet remains the fundamental hurdle, either because of lack of coverage or because the existing solutions are too expensive. Every moment they remain unconnected, the digital divide grows bigger,’ explained DSA president Martha Suarez.