Digital exclusivity – where is the digital divide today?

The digital divide refers to the gap between those who have access to modern digital technologies, such as the Internet, smartphones, and other connected devices, and those who do not. The term was first coined in the 1990s by researchers and policymakers in the United States to highlight the growing inequality in access to computers and, later, the Internet and other forms of information and communication technology (ICT).[1] While the nature of the divide has evolved with technological advancement, the core issue remains the same: unequal digital access reinforces broader social and economic disparities.

Fast forward 30 years, and we’ve gone from standalone computers, cameras, video recorders, music players, and GPS systems to having all these tools—and more—integrated into a single device that fits in the palm of our hand. Today, the Internet holds more than 150 zettabytes of data—the equivalent of over 250 billion DVDs—encompassing a vast array of information that can be used to educate, build skills, and unlock new opportunities.[2] We can see, speak, and collaborate with people across the globe in real time. Yet, despite these remarkable advancements, not everyone shares in the benefits. The digital revolution remains out of reach for many, especially in underserved or remote communities.

While much of the modern world is focused on harnessing the potential of artificial intelligence and upgrading to faster, more reliable internet connections, vast segments of the global population, particularly in marginalized communities, are still being left behind. This disparity goes beyond mere access to digital tools and services; it mirrors the absence of basic utilities like clean water and electricity. At its core, it represents a fundamental inequality—one that limits access to education, economic opportunity, healthcare, and even civic participation.

Asia-Pacific is a region of contrasts

Nowhere is this divide more visible than in the Asia-Pacific region. On one hand, it is home to global tech hubs like Singapore, Seoul, and Bangalore, where connectivity is ubiquitous and digital literacy is high. On the other, millions of people living in remote and rural areas—such as the archipelagos of the Philippines and Indonesia, the Pacific Islands, and underserved regions of India, Myanmar, and Laos—still lack reliable access to the Internet. For these communities, digital inclusion remains a distant goal.

According to the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), 34% of the population in the Asia-Pacific, or 1.6 billion people, remain offline, 2% higher than the global average.[3] Even among those who are connected, digital access is far from guaranteed. Many face persistent challenges such as unstable connections, high data costs, limited access to digital devices, and low levels of digital literacy—all of which hinder their ability to fully benefit from digital technologies.

In rural areas, the digital divide is even more pronounced, with 51% of the population still offline.[4] While urban centres have benefited from ongoing infrastructure development—such as high-speed fibre-optic networks and 5G rollouts—rural regions continue to lag behind. The high cost of deployment, coupled with lower commercial returns, has discouraged investment, creating a vicious cycle of exclusion. Limited supply of digital infrastructure dampens demand for digital tools and services, further marginalizing these communities and excluding them from the opportunities of the digital economy.

Affordability is another significant barrier. In many countries across the region, large segments of the population live below the poverty line—according to the Asian Development Bank (ADB), over 200 million people in developing Asia lived on less than $2.15 per day in 2022, with around 1 billion surviving on under $3.65.[5] In some markets, 1 GB of mobile data can cost as much as 5% of the average monthly income—more than double the 2% affordability threshold recommended by the United Nations.[6]

Compounding this issue is the absence of comprehensive policies to promote digital inclusion. Fewer than half of the least developed countries and small island developing states have national digital strategies, and even where these exist, many lack practical implementation plans or measurable targets.[7] To be truly effective, such strategies must be developed in collaboration with service providers, educators, and civil society alongside the necessary digital literacy programs to ensure guidance on safe and confident use of digital tools.

A path forward

Bridging the digital divide in Asia-Pacific requires a multi-stakeholder approach. Governments, industry, and civil society must work together to close the gap and create inclusive digital ecosystems.

Implementing fit-for-purpose policy and regulatory frameworks

Governments must adopt digital inclusion policies that encourage investment, foster competition, and ensure affordability. This includes updating universal service funds to better target underserved areas and making spectrum more accessible and affordable to lower the cost of rural network deployment. Clear, measurable goals should guide these efforts, with regular assessments to ensure progress.

Leverage public-private partnerships

The private sector has a crucial role to play. Tech companies, telecom operators, and development banks can co-invest in infrastructure projects focused on underserved communities. Governments can support this by enabling infrastructure sharing—such as telecom towers and fibre networks—to reduce costs and promote faster rollout.

Adopting innovative solutions is also key. Governments should explore a mix of technologies, including satellite broadband, drones, LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network), and community networks, tailored to the geographic and economic realities of each region.

Building demand through digital literacy and content

Equally important as infrastructure is empowering people to use digital tools. Digital literacy programs, especially for marginalized groups such as women, the elderly, and persons with disabilities, can help bridge the usage gap. These programs should be delivered through schools, NGOs, and community groups, in culturally and linguistically appropriate ways.

Content must also be locally relevant—whether by translating materials into native languages or developing resources that meet real needs, such as agricultural training or job-matching platforms for local markets. Promoting digital safety, privacy, and trust is also critical to long-term engagement.

Towards a More Equitable Future

Bridging the digital divide in Asia-Pacific is complex—but not insurmountable. It requires sustained commitment, thoughtful policy, and collaborative innovation. Above all, it requires recognition that digital access is not a luxury—it is a basic enabler of human development and dignity.

Governments must lead with vision and inclusive policy. Industry must invest responsibly and innovate equitably. Civil society must hold all actors accountable while empowering communities with the skills and tools to thrive in a digital world.

Bridging the digital divide is not just about building networks; it’s about building a future that is inclusive, equitable, and connected—for everyone.

[1] https://www.oxfordbibliographies.com/display/document/obo-9780199756810/obo-9780199756810-0222.xml

[2] https://rivery.io/blog/big-data-statistics-how-much-data-is-there-in-the-world/

[3] https://www.itu.int/hub/publication/d-ind-sddt_asp-2025/

[4] Ibid

[5] https://www.adb.org/what-we-do/topics/social-development

[6] https://www.broadbandcommission.org/advocacy-targets/2-affordability/

[7] https://www.itu.int/hub/publication/d-ind-sddt_asp-2025/