Hamadoun Touré, Director of the ITU Telecommunications Development Office, explains ITU’s strategy to fight the digital divide

What is the danger caused by the digital divide ?

In 1998, ITU noted that initiatives to bridge the digital divide were failing because financial means were invested separately. As a result, instead of partly reducing the gap, the digital divide widened. The «monster» became bigger, faster, and more powerful, slowing down economic development and preventing countries from opening up culturally. Its impact on all aspects of society is enormous. Communication and information technologies (ICTs) offer an alternative for development. If we manage to reduce disparities, all countries will be able to take part in building our global society. Only through joint action and by mobilizing all resources we will be able to win this battle. This issue is at the heart of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS).

How do we eliminate the problem?

We have defined several stages. The first of these is implementing policies and regulations that stimulate industry. It is necessary to re-think investment models to take technological development into account. Then, we need to work out cyber-strategies at the international, national and local levels. Participation at all levels of society is essential. Then, we need to ensure financing of infrastructures, a prerequisite for content development. We must also produce statistical indicators which can guide us. Finally, we must ensure training to develop human capacities.

Are ICTs a priority for Africa?

We have seen a 400% and 200% growth in mobile telephony in Nigeria and Senegal. We need to think of ways to apply this success to the Internet and to broadband so that companies may invest in the sector. Africa is currently the continent most concerned by the issue, because it feels left behind. All the ingredients are in place for a massive ICT development, especially in terms of the regulatory environment, but funds are lacking. At the local community level, micro-financing can be a solution. These remote communities have the greatest need for ICTs, because in many cases one must travel for days to transmit simple information.

Within this framework, what are your views on the DSF?

We welcome the DSF because it allows a new alternative for funding. Thanks to the DSF, concrete projects can be implemented, supported by micro-grants and local communities. It is a voluntary Fund that complements other initiatives. Its creation is also significant of a new era, where international initiatives integrate civil society and require us to reconsider our «Business Model» as far as the funding of modern means of communication is concerned.