Covid-19 shows the web is not a luxury. It is a lifeline.

Imagine living through the Covid-19 pandemic without access to the web.

True isolation, without a video connection to loved ones. No streaming movies, online workouts, and virtual concerts to keep you entertained. No glory in the online pub quiz.

Think about how much harder it would be to stay safe and healthy without the latest advice at your fingertips. And the difficult choices we’d face if we couldn't work or learn from home.

What feels impossible for many is the reality for nearly half of the world. Today, 3.5 billion people remain unconnected, cut off as the world has shut down and gone online. And many more lack the quality of connection they need to use the full power of the web.

Here, we untangle the persistent digital divides that exist around the world — and what we must do to get everyone, everywhere meaningfully connected.

Internet access is a basic right. We must get everyone connected.

The Covid-19 pandemic has underlined the human cost of the digital divide that persists across the globe.

With the Alliance for Affordable Internet (A4AI), we have recommended steps for governments, companies and civil society to bring people online as quickly as possible. These include: 


🏛  Governments

• Remove consumer facing taxes on data and internet services
• End any internet shutdowns immediately
• Protect network infrastructure from vandalism

💼  Service providers

• Waive late fees and don't cut people off if they are behind on their bills
• Provide discounted data or special affordable packages for low income groups
• Zero-rate public service websites and services

• Speak out for those who are offline — and put pressure on governments and companies to take action

Getting internet access for everyone is one the most pressing digital challenges of our time. Now more than ever, we must double down on our efforts so everyone, everywhere has access to the web as a lifeline.