Reducing the Digital Gap: Prioritizing Access to Digital Services

Reducing the Digital Gap: Prioritizing Access to Digital Services

Communication and Information Technology Minister Rekha Sharma addressed the issue of increasing disparity in access to digital services and emphasized the need to set targets for reducing this gap. During the 'Spectrum Management Conference' held on International Telecommunication Day, Minister Sharma highlighted the importance of formulating appropriate policy provisions and investment targets to address the digital divide.

Minister Sharma acknowledged the paradoxical situation of discussing advanced technologies like 5G and 6G while some individuals still lack access to basic telecommunication services. He expressed the ministry's commitment to providing necessary support in resolving the issue of the digital divide.

Furthermore, Minister Sharma stressed the significance of understanding the reasons behind the recent scenario of increasing access to telecommunication services accompanied by a decrease in income. He emphasized that the next priority should be to augment income levels in parallel with increased access. Additionally, he called for attention to be directed towards enhancing the overall quality of the telecommunication sector by leveraging information technology, thereby establishing a foundation for boosting the country's revenue.

Krishna Bahadur Raut, Secretary of the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, emphasized leveraging technological opportunities to stimulate economic growth and improve social well-being. He emphasized the need for Nepal's economy to integrate with the global digital economy and capitalize on the associated benefits. Furthermore, he informed attendees that the government is actively working on developing the necessary infrastructure to create a digitally inclusive environment.

Doreen Bogdan Martin, Secretary General of the International Telecommunication Organization (ITU), delivered a video message during the event. She highlighted that this year's Telecommunication Day focuses on mainstreaming the digital network, especially in least-developed countries, to promote inclusivity.

Purushottam Khanal, Chairman of the Nepal Telecommunication Authority, underlined the significance of digital transformation for wealth creation in today's world. He emphasized the need for effective spectrum management to sustain the telecommunication sector and urged timely decision-making to achieve sector goals. Jongbong Park, Director of Asia Pacific Telecommunication under ITU, emphasized that the telecommunication network has become crucial for social and economic development. Dipesh Acharya, Director of the Nepal Telecommunication Authority, highlighted frequency management as a critical issue for Nepal's telecommunication sector, making it a focal point of Telecommunication Day. The day-long program also featured discussions among experts during three thematic sessions.

Published on 18th May 2023