Artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to help bring online the 2,6-billion people still not connected to the Internet, according to The State of Broadband 2024 from the Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development.
The first part of the Broadband Commission report reviews how AI solutions can accelerate progress on broadband advocacy targets aimed at getting everyone online and achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“Emerging technology trends such as artificial intelligence are anticipated to add trillions to the global digital economy,” says Paula Ingabire, Rwanda’s Minister of Information Communication Technology and Innovation.
According to The State of Broadband 2024: Leveraging AI for Universal Connectivity, emerging technologies stand to revolutionise the way decisions are taken and services are provided.
The report highlights how AI is already reshaping the delivery of traditional services for human well-being in sectors such as government, education, healthcare and finance.
The analysis also identifies challenges associated with AI and other emerging technologies. These include energy consumption, misinformation, reinforcement of biases and gender discrimination. Commissioners focused on how to mitigate risks of emerging technologies while maximising the benefits.
“The use of AI is not new, but recent advancements in data, computing power, and algorithms are driving innovative services,” says Carlos Slim, founder and president of Grupo Carso and co-chair of the commission.
“The rapid development of generative AI (GenAI) highlights its potential for original content and new applications. We must redesign talent and retrain workers in digital skills to maximise these benefits.”
In Nigeria for instance, Artificial Intelligence, the simulation of human intelligence in machines, is rapidly gaining traction. AI technologies, such as machine learning and natural language processing, are being utilized across various sectors, including healthcare, finance, agriculture, and education.
In healthcare, AI is used to enhance disease diagnosis, drug discovery, and patient care. Intelligent algorithms can analyze vast amounts of medical data, leading to quicker and more accurate diagnoses.
In addition, AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants improve patient engagement and provide 24/7 medical support.
The finance sector leverages AI for fraud detection, risk assessment, and personalized banking experiences. Intelligent algorithms can detect suspicious patterns, identify potential risks, and enhance security measures.
AI-powered chatbots are also being employed for customer service, offering real-time support and personalized recommendations.
In agriculture, AI is helping farmers optimize crop yield and improve resource management. AI-based systems can analyze soil data, weather patterns, and crop conditions to provide actionable insights for better decision-making. This technology is instrumental in mitigating the effects of climate change and improving food security.
The education sector benefits from AI through personalised learning platforms, intelligent tutoring systems, and adaptive assessments. AI algorithms can analyze student performance data and tailor educational content to individual needs, enabling more effective and engaging learning experiences.
An estimated 2,6-billion people around the world remain offline, according to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the UN Agency for Digital Technologies.
While overall Internet use is increasing, the benefits of access are unevenly distributed, reinforcing persistent digital divides affecting women and people in countries with lower economic development. The elderly and people with disabilities are among other groups being left behind.
“Broadband is fundamental to ensure that everyone can benefit from digital technologies when so many people are still offline around the world,” says ITU secretary-general Doreen Bogdan-Martin, co-vice chair of the commission. “AI and other emerging technologies can help efforts to achieve universal meaningful connectivity, and it’s our job to make sure this happens in a way that is responsible for people and the planet.”
The Broadband Commission reviewed progress on its 2025 Advocacy Targets, comprising seven objectives for action in broadband development and universal connectivity. One target for mobile broadband affordability is close to being achieved. A target for gender equality in access to broadband has been achieved for some countries, although not globally.
The commission notes that AI and emerging technologies can drive progress on broadband and the SDGs. However, balancing the promotion of AI benefits while managing the challenges is a key task for policy-makers who are “racing to catch up” to the implications of the technologies.
“Having two thirds of the world’s population now online is a cause for celebration. But with only half as many connected in least-developed countries, and even less among women, the new report shows the urgent work still to be done,” says UNESCO director-general Audrey Azoulay, co-vice chair of the commission.
“We must also address the risks faced by those online, through better governance of digital platforms, ethical use of AI and massive upscaling in digital skills, including media and information literacy,” he added.
