Hasten the Breaking of the Digital Divide – Jonathan Bill

The power of the internet to transform lives and livelihoods is well documented. For most of us, access to information and services on our terms in real time and instantly anywhere is taken for granted. For many of us, remembering days without such access is difficult and we wonder how life could have been then.

However, for many in India, this is today’s reality still. Whilst I can book a low cost airfare from the backseat of the taxi, most will pay a travel agent who will charge more because of their overheads and because they can. Ironically, this ticket is a once in a lifetime investment for the people who have to pay more whereas for me it is a daily routine.

In India at 10% or less internet penetration the reality is that 9 out of 10 Indians are paying over the odds for services, are still relying on word of mouth to make important decisions and have access only to news and information that is presented in mass media with all of the connotations that this brings.
The work of the DEF in trying to hasten the breaking of the digital divide and empower the bulk of India with the benefits of digital is commendable and Vodafone is proud to be associated and supporting Osama and the DEF. We are not without challenges in this most complex of commercial and regulatory environments, but the collective hopes and opportunities for a digitally empowered India are a step closer to reality thanks to DEF’s work, lobbying and tireless effort.

Jonathan Bill is SVP Innovation and Business Development, Vodafone India. He can be reached at jonathan.bill@vodafone.com