The Digital Access Index developed as part of this project is a unique index focusing exclusively on digital and technology indicators, and reflecting the whole digital industry. The Index is dynamic and intended to be updated and expanded to take into account new data and industry developments.
At its launch in 2018, the Index comprises 21 indicators grouped in the following categories:
Connectivity, further divided into:
- Infrastructure (e.g. 4G network coverage, number of internet exchange points);
- Use (e.g. fixed/mobile broadband subscriptions, smartphone market penetration);
- Affordability (e.g. cellular tariff cost, mobile-specific taxation cost);
Technologies
(e.g. cellular machine-to-machine (M2M) connections, social media penetration);
Digital solutions and use cases
(e.g. e-health, e-learning): these will be included in future updates of the Index, as suitable global data becomes available.
The Index can provide a reliable evidence basis to inform the digital industry’s action towards SDG achievement. For example, if cellular M2M connections are shown to be fundamental for achieving a certain SDG, this will be particularly relevant to device and sensor production, as well as to software/apps development.