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Artificial intelligence (AI) holds significant promise for bringing online the 2.6 billion people currently without internet access, according to “The State of Broadband 2024” report from the Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development.
The first part of the report was released today during the Commission’s virtual Spring Meeting. The meeting included government leaders, heads of international organizations, and representatives from private sector companies, civil society, and academia.
The report examines how AI can accelerate progress towards the Commission’s broadband advocacy targets, which aim to ensure global internet access and support the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“Emerging technology trends like AI are expected to add trillions to the global digital economy,” said Paula Ingabire, Rwanda’s Minister of Information Communication Technology and Innovation. “Harnessing AI to revolutionize broadband access and other services will require significant investments in power, connectivity, and computing resources, especially in emerging economies.”
Leveraging AI for Impact
According to “The State of Broadband 2024: Leveraging AI for Universal Connectivity,” emerging technologies are transforming decision-making and service delivery. The report highlights AI’s role in reshaping traditional services in government, education, healthcare, and finance.
However, the report also addresses challenges associated with AI, such as energy consumption, misinformation, bias reinforcement, and gender discrimination. Commissioners discussed strategies to mitigate these risks while maximizing AI’s benefits.
“AI is not new, but recent advancements in data, computing power, and algorithms are driving innovation,” said Carlos Slim, Founder and President of Grupo Carso and Co-Chair of the Commission. “Generative AI’s development underscores its potential for original content and new applications. We must redesign talent and retrain workers in digital skills to fully capitalize on these benefits.”
Advancing Universal and Meaningful Connectivity
Despite increasing overall internet use, 2.6 billion people remain offline, according to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The digital divide persists, particularly affecting women, the elderly, people with disabilities, and those in less economically developed countries.
“Broadband is essential to ensure everyone benefits from digital technologies,” said Doreen Bogdan-Martin, ITU Secretary-General and Co-Vice Chair of the Commission. “AI and other emerging technologies can help achieve universal connectivity, but this must be done responsibly for the benefit of people and the planet.”
Targeting Broadband Development
The Broadband Commission reviewed progress on its 2025 Advocacy Targets, which include seven objectives for broadband development and universal connectivity. While mobile broadband affordability is nearing its target, gender equality in broadband access has only been achieved in some countries.
The Commission noted that AI and emerging technologies could drive progress on broadband and the SDGs. However, balancing AI’s benefits with its challenges remains a crucial task for policymakers.
“With two-thirds of the world online, we celebrate progress,” said UNESCO Director General Audrey Azoulay, Co-Vice Chair of the Commission. “Yet, with only half as many connected in least-developed countries and even fewer women, significant work remains. We must also govern digital platforms better, ensure ethical AI use, and enhance digital skills.”
The Spring Meeting also launched a Working Group on Data Governance to promote gender equality and digital sustainability in the AI era.
Part two of “The State of Broadband 2024,” to be released later this year, will offer recommendations for achieving the Commission’s advocacy targets. Insights from the Spring Meeting and the report will help shape a digitally inclusive global agenda ahead of the UN Summit of the Future in September.
New Commissioners Welcomed
Newly welcomed commissioners at the Spring Meeting include Jessica Rosenworcel, Chairwoman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), United States; Lew Chuen Hong, Chief Executive of Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA); Deemah AlYahya, Secretary-General of the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO); Olayan Alwetaid, CEO of stc Group; Abel Avellan, Chairman and CEO of AST SpaceMobile; Mark Dankberg, Chairman and CEO of ViaSat; Shameel Joosub, CEO and Executive Director of Vodacom Group Limited; Young Shub Kim, President and CEO of KT Corporation; and Isabelle Mauro, Director General of the Global Satellite Operators Association (GSOA).
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