Verizon CEO Hans Vestberg has emphasized the importance of digital infrastructure in creating inclusion and connectivity on a global scale. During an interview on Mornings with Maria, Vestberg highlighted how access to digital technology is crucial for individuals to participate fully in society. He stressed the significance of connectivity not only for communication but also for essential services like digital healthcare, education, and financial inclusion. The COVID-19 pandemic further underscored the need for reliable and affordable digital infrastructure worldwide.
Despite efforts by governments and communication companies, approximately one-third of the global population still lacks adequate digital connectivity, Vestberg said. He pointed out that 2.6 billion people worldwide remain unconnected. Addressing this gap requires not only affordable broadband access but also accessible devices and useful applications that cater to different needs and sectors such as education, healthcare, and finance.
Vestberg identified the United States as one of the countries in need of expanding its wireless and broadband digital infrastructure. The Department of Commerce has taken steps to make reliable and affordable high-speed internet universally available across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories by 2030. The initiative, funded with a $42.45 billion grant program, aims to enhance broadband equity access and deployment.
While the U.S. and other countries have made progress in bolstering digital infrastructure, Vestberg emphasized the continuing and growing importance of this infrastructure in our society. The shift to remote work and the reliance on digital platforms during the pandemic have further highlighted the necessity of robust and reliable digital connectivity.
Governments and companies are investing in digital infrastructure to bridge the digital divide and promote inclusivity. Kentucky, for example, recently announced a $386 million investment to expand high-speed internet access in the state, recognizing it as a necessary infrastructure rather than a luxury.
The call for prioritizing digital infrastructure echoes the sentiments of global business leaders and politicians preparing to discuss key global issues at the 2024 World Economic Forum in Davos. With the understanding that digital connectivity is a critical infrastructure of the century, the focus on creating a connected and inclusive society gains traction worldwide.
As efforts to expand digital infrastructure continue, it is clear that its importance cannot be overstated. Vestberg’s message resonates across borders, underscoring the need for affordable and accessible connectivity to ensure no one is left behind in the digital era. The world is gradually realizing that digital infrastructure is not simply a matter of connectivity but rather an essential facet of our modern society.
