ITU Boss Calls For Broadband Development

Developing countries are being held back by the high relative cost of broadband, according to Dr Hamadoun Toure, the secretary-general of UN agency, the International Telecommunications Union (ITU).

While a broadband connection in the UK costs less than one percent of the monthly average wage, in developing countries it can cost more than a whole average salary, Dr Toure told the Westminster Media Forum in London.

Those who can least afford it pay most

“The people who can least afford it are asked to pay the most relative to their income,” said Dr Toure, adding that the inability to get broadband also held back people in those countries from advances in healthcare and transport which can be achieved through online services.

Under Dr Toure, the ITU has been calling for fairer access to broadband, as well as the use of IT to combat global problems such as poverty and climate change. At the Forum meeting he gave a simpler message, that investment in ICT leads very directly to greater wealth.

“Investment in any kind of ICT gives benefit to gross domestic product.” he said.