AsianScientist (Aug. 27, 2012) – Rapid advances in information and communications technology (ICT) have created tremendous opportunities for economic and social gains in the world’s poorest areas. Here are 12 facts from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on ICT in Asia and the Pacific region.
——
1. The world is home to 7 billion people, one third of which are using the Internet. 45% of the world’s Internet users are below the age of 25.
2. A 2009 World Bank report found that for every 10% increase in high speed internet connections, there is a 1.3 percent increase in economic growth.
3. Internet users in the People’s Republic of China represent almost 25% of the world’s total.
4. Before 2007, Papua New Guinea had fixed-line communications of around just 1% and mobile penetration of less than 5%. A recent $25 million ADB loan to fund the construction of mobile phone towers is expected to change all that.