COVID-19 Policy Brief: Internet Access and Affordability - 27/04/2020 |
Alliance for Affordable Internet (A4AI) and the Web Foundation |
Technical Community and Civil Society | International |
The Alliance for Affordable Internet (A4AI) and the Web Foundation recommend governments, companies and civil society take urgent actions to bring as many people online as possible during this global emergency. Governments must immediately implement policies to ensure everyone can connect to the Internet by removing barriers like consumer facing taxes and internet shutdowns, and dedicate available resources to expanding access and addressing device shortages. Companies should play a critical role by providing affordable and accessible connectivity options and supporting existing customers, prospective customers and the general public. Public-Private Partnerships should be formed between governments and companies to speed up the delivery of affordable access and secure reliable connectivity to underserved and unserved areas and populations. Civil Society Organizations should also serve as a foundation for community support for citizens by providing the tools necessary for individuals to access the Internet. |
Source Link Keywords: connectivity; public-private partnership |