According to the ranking of countries based on their ability to leverage the benefits of the Internet, published on April 26, the digital divide is gradually narrowing as citizens in developing countries have more opportunities to access the Internet through computers and mobile phones, with some regions even matching developed nations.
The annual survey conducted by American computer giant IBM and the information division of the British magazine The Economist states: “It is encouraging to see a clear narrowing of the digital divide.” The report, released after the survey, notes: “This is clearly reflected in the basic connectivity: emerging markets are where the largest number of phones and Internet connections in the world are concentrated.”
Peter Korsten, an official at IBM’s Institute for Business Value, mentioned that in China and India, regions like Shanghai and Bangalore have Internet connectivity levels via computers and mobile phones comparable to those of developed countries. He stated: “This is the first time we have observed an equivalence in connectivity between developed and developing nations. Governments should take advantage of this along with education and other initiatives.”
The survey not only examined basic connectivity but also explored how the Internet plays a role in improving productivity and reducing costs, including online access to public services. The results indicate: “Most countries improved their scores over the past year. The level of improvement in the lower-ranked countries is stronger compared to those at the top. As a result, the gap between the leading countries and the others has significantly narrowed.”
However, the difference between the best-performing country in Internet utilization, Denmark, and the lowest, Azerbaijan, remains vast, with scores of 9.0 and 2.9 out of 10, respectively. India and China, including their least developed provinces, scored 4.25 and 4.02, ranking 53rd and 57th on the list.
Switzerland has entered the top three, replacing Sweden and pushing it down to fourth, while the United States maintains its second position.
Denmark continues to lead the world in Internet utilization, both in securely connecting its citizens through broadband and wireless networks, as well as through widespread Internet connections for online banking services and public services such as tax refunds.
The survey results state: “The use of the Internet for public services has saved Danish businesses €50 million ($62.1 million) and taxpayers approximately €150 million annually. Other countries in Europe are expected to follow Denmark’s lead.”
Six out of the top ten countries and territories on the list are European nations that have capitalized on the benefits of affordable broadband connections and high education levels. The remaining four countries and territories are the United States, Australia, Canada, and Hong Kong.
In Central and Eastern Europe, new member states of the European Union all rank among the top tier, while others lag far behind. Although mobile connectivity is very common here, Internet connections via fixed lines are not widespread, coupled with a weak legal and business environment.
Overall, this region still lags significantly behind the EU, North America, and developed nations in the Asia-Pacific.
