Digital technologies are recognized as one of the key enablers for the achievement of SDGs, allowing
for more equitable access to education, public services, and healthcare, among others. However,
this cannot happen without digital connectivity. Yet, despite the meteoric growth of broadband
connectivity, 2.9 billion people have never connected to the Internet and the majority of them are in
developing countries.
The gap is especially persistent for the most vulnerable populations and people who are highly
prone to connectivity disruptions due to disasters, emergencies, or crisis situations. In that respect,
innovative solutions for universal connectivity and fast emergency connectivity response when
disasters/crises strike (such as rapidly providing satellite telephones, terminals and other
equipment), are crucial.