Internet Solutions joins Alliance for Affordable Internet

In a recent report released by the A4AI (Alliance for Affordable Internet) it is estimated that broadband still costs more than half of the monthly income of millions of people around the world, further entrenching the digital divide.

As one of the first African network operators to join the A4AI, Internet Solutions (IS) aims to facilitate the achievement of the UN Broadband Commission’s target of entry-level broadband services, priced at less than 5% of the average monthly income, through a combination of advocacy, research and knowledge-sharing.

“The A4AI initiative, which began in Silicon Valley through the efforts of Web inventor Sir Tim Berners-Lee’s World Wide Web Foundation, aims to bridge the ‘digital divide’ by bringing the Internet to the billions of unconnected people across the globe,” explains Siyabonga Madyibi, Regulatory Director at IS. “For the large number of people still unconnected, entry-level broadband costs, on average, 40% of their monthly income, and in many countries this figure exceeds 80%, according to the report,” he continues. “As a result, billions cannot afford to get online, which constrains economic and social progress.”

Madyibi explains that the ideals and ethos of the A4AI align with IS’ commitment to provide equitable and affordable access to the Internet for as many people on the African continent as possible. “It was an easy decision for us to get involved in, as the initiative offers the ideal platform for us to ensure that we make a meaningful difference and contribute to the progress towards this goal. Our objective is to drive this change by getting involved in the A4AI’s coordinated lobbying efforts, specifically across Africa. These efforts aim to involve governments and incumbent network operators in an attempt to create open, efficient and competitive broadband markets through policy and regulatory reform.”

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