Nepal can effectively tackle the issues related to the digital divide by prioritising the enhancement of digital literacy and providing citizens with the necessary skills to utilise digital tools efficiently
In 2024, access to digital technology is not a luxury; it has become imperative for improving lives. However, the situation in Nepal portrays a very complicated scenario. According to the Nepal Telecommunications Authority's MIS report of April 2024, Nepal has achieved 144.56 per cent broadband penetration rate. The data shows that the number of internet subscriptions is greater than the population of Nepal, indicating that many people have more than one internet subscription, most likely mobile and fixed broadband internet in this case. With almost 96 per cent of the people accessing the internet through mobile devices, this figure is the result of mobile technology's continued growth over time. This shows how important mobile technology is to preserving connectivity throughout the nation.
Even though the penetration rate is high, it can be challenging to guarantee that this connection results in meaningful digital engagement and proper use of the digital tools, especially in rural areas where access may not always translate into efficient use. Even accounting for only 50 per cent, urban areas enjoy somewhat dependable and fast internet connectivity owing to fixed broadband services, such as fiber optic or ADSL. This brings us to a major issue we are now addressing: the digital gap, especially in a least developed country like Nepal. The digital divide means the gap between those who have access to the internet, technology and digital literacy, and those who do not.
Although there is a growing trend of internet penetration, the population penetration rate, according to the NTA, was around 55 per cent in 2017, and it has grown to 144 per cent in 2024. However, the problem of the urban-rural divide can be seen in the low take-up of fixed broadband, where urban regions are probably better supplied by high-speed internet while rural areas lag behind. The fixed broadband internet implies a steady, high speed internet that is used to power homes, businesses and schools.
Additionally, this divide is further complicated by Nepal's diverse geography, economic challenges and social factors. Rural areas, especially those in mountainous regions, face significant problems like unreliable electricity and limited infrastructure, which makes it difficult to get stable internet connectivity. In addition, there is a clear disparity in terms of the way the internet is accessed and utilised between rural and urban regions.
Compounding the urban-rural divide is the issue of gender disparity. Women, particularly in rural areas, face additional barriers to accessing and using digital tools. This discrepancy in the availability and usage of technology between men and women stems from socio-cultural, educational and socio-economic factors that particularly affect women. Additionally, economic barriers further hinder digital access.
According to the Fourth Nepal Living Standards Survey 2022-23, released by the National Statistics Office, 20.27 per cent of the population lived below the poverty line as of 2023. Due to this financial situation, many people are unable to afford internet access. Furthermore, the Internet Connectivity Index-2021 reports that the average monthly fee for internet access in Nepal is around $13.8 (approximately Rs. 1,600), which is unaffordable for people living below the poverty line. However, the evolution of mobile technology, particularly the availability of cheaper mobile devices, has been a game changer in this context. Most people can now afford mobile technology at a low cost, contributing to the 96 per cent penetration rate of mobile technology. However, even when the access is granted, they may not be able to properly utilise these tools.
Moreover, even where internet access is available, there is a significant gap in digital literacy. Many people in rural areas use the internet for social media and entertainment rather than for education, business or civic engagement. This highlights the critical need for targeted digital literacy initiatives that equip people with the knowledge to use the internet and technology effectively. Digital literacy is the ability to access, manage, understand, integrate, communicate, evaluate and create information safely and appropriately through digital technologies for employment, decent jobs, entrepreneurship and more. It plays an imperative role in bridging digital divides among people and communities.
Nepal can effectively tackle the issues related to the digital divide by prioritising the enhancement of digital literacy and providing citizens with the necessary skills to utilise digital tools efficiently. To minimise the digital divide and allow everyone to fully benefit from the digital revolution, more people should be able to use digital tools, regardless of where they live or their financial condition. Both the government and civil society organisations have significant roles to play in this effort. The government can focus on the development of infrastructure, the creation of necessary policies, and identifying and addressing gaps. Civil society organisations can contribute by educating and raising awareness about digital tools through digital literacy training and programmes.
In conclusion, it is important to understand that high population penetration does not necessarily mean digital inclusion. While majority of the population may have internet access, disparities in the quality of access and digital literacy are the critical issues that need to be addressed. Although internet penetration in Nepal has increased significantly over the years, the country still has difficulties guaranteeing that all citizens, particularly those living in rural areas, have access to dependable, high-quality internet services and the digital literacy required to make successful use of these services.
