Global Courant 2023-05-22 11:05:46
Despite the high number of smartphones in service and the technological advances for the provision of broadband connectivity, the World Bank considers Guatemala a country marked by the so-called digital divide. This delay is identified, above all, through the availability of terminals for the public educational service, the insufficient percentage of people of productive age with the capacity to use the advantages of the Internet for development, and the little use of virtual environments for the promotion of local businesses of all kinds.
Indeed, these concerns led the United Nations Organization to propose in June 2020 a roadmap for digital Cooperation. This set of goals was developed by a panel of experts in response to the demands for communication and interconnection unveiled by the pandemic lockdowns. This is how it is proposed to the States to seek and promote universal and affordable connectivity for their entire population in 2023, which goes beyond offering wireless internet in the parks, and focuses on promoting the training of talents in programming and creation. of online solutions to address gaps in health, literacy, commerce and the government account itself.
Although the Guatemalan Government announced its adherence to said roadmap, there are proposals such as the Guatemala Digital Agenda, launched in July 2015 by the National Secretariat for Science and Technology, which cites analyzes and efforts since 2007 that, as always , have not had the expected continuity, because at this point there should be more progress and investment.
A director of the Industrial Telecommunications Union, attached to the Guatemalan Chamber of Industry, referred in July 2022 to the need to undertake the digital transformation of the State, beginning with the modernization of the General Telecommunications Law, which dates from 1996, and whose gaps and gaps represent a fence for development. On the other hand, when seeing the gross incapacity and conflicts of interest that deputies usually handle, there is always an underlying fear that any reform will be carried out in pursuit of their benefits and not for the common good of Guatemalans. However, it is a pending need that should be addressed by a local panel of technology experts to develop a comprehensive initiative.
All this reflection arises from the announcement of the arrival in the country of the global giant of satellite internet services Starlink, owned by magnate Elon Musk, which has just received authorization to operate in Guatemala. The worldwide network of low-altitude satellites of this provider adds a new modality of service that will compete for the preference and strategies of the Guatemalan productive sector.
However, it can also be the occasion to trace an educational revolution and promote community development initiatives, in order to generate a new development paradigm. If there are already previous discussions and recognized priorities, it is time to set specific connectivity objectives, not only for information or entertainment, but to promote the improvement of life in communities, optimize the monitoring of risk areas or promote clusters. of local entrepreneurship with global connection. Unfortunately, no presidential candidate or mayor or legislator addresses the issue seriously or with conviction.
Country’s digital divide must be addressed
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