The world today is facing a massive over-exploitation of natural resources that is causing various socio-economic challenges and posing a significant threat to our environment. When we look at the world around us, we see that economic disparity, climate change, energy consumption, waste production, social exclusion, and land pollution have all increased enormously. If these continue at the same pace in the coming years, it is expected that the Earth will eventually suffocate.
But it is never too late to repair; every small step and contribution can help us pave the path to sustainable development. The United Nations defines sustainable development as the development that caters to the needs of today without jeopardizing future generations’ ability to meet their needs. The UN Sustainable Development Goals also include poverty reduction and access to food, water, energy, and education.
Role of Internet Service Providers in Sustainable Development
Now, the million-dollar question is how the internet, in itself, or the internet service providers (ISPs) can help achieve sustainable development. Well, this might sound fuzzy but it is certain that the internet is the only key to achieving sustainable development in the future. Since the entire world is digitized now, most aspects of life, be it domestic or business, revolves around the internet. In so, it can help better manage and supply the key needs to track people toward sustainable development.
For example, with the Internet of Things (IoT), water level, temperature, pressure, flow rate, and status, can be measured remotely to improve the basic water supply. The same goes for energy management and food supply. Solar panels and windmills located in far-flung areas can be easily monitored remotely. Similarly, the education system can be governed through the Internet to ensure everyone is getting proper guidance and the same level of opportunities.
The role of Internet service providers in sustainable development is vital to ensure everyone gets access to the Internet, regardless of their race, religion, region, and economic stature. Internet service providers are required to expand their outreach and dispense equitable opportunities for all. Leading internet service providers in the US, such as CenturyLink offer high-speed internet in 10 states and CenturyLink customer service is ever-ready to address customer concerns. Such Internet service providers are highly needed for developing countries in South Asia and Africa to expand the reach of the Internet.
Significance of ISPs for Sustainable Development
It is evident that the internet and internet service providers have a prime role to play in sustainable development. However, it is equally important for people to mobilize and adopt the Internet as a key asset in life. Here are the various ways through which Internet Service Providers can help in achieving sustainable development for all:
1. Access to High-Speed Internet
Today, the internet alone is not enough; it should be speedy enough to complete internet-heavy tasks seamlessly without any interruption. More and more people are taking up online jobs and earning as freelancers. Therefore, they need a super-fast internet connection that has got their back at all times. As such, it is safe to say that internet service providers need to advance to fiber optic technology that offers the fastest internet out there.
2. Affordable Rates
Sustainable development and cheaper access to resources are intertwined. There is no use in offering high-speed internet if it can be only afforded by a small section of society. In fact, this goes against the goals of sustainable development. So, it is essential to set moderate prices for Internet packages so that everyone, from low to medium and high economic classes can get access to the Internet.
3. Secure User’s Privacy
Most people in developing countries, usually in rural areas, are reluctant to adopt the Internet for work and connectivity. One of the core reasons for that is security concerns. Therefore, it is highly essential for Internet service providers to guarantee users’ privacy so that users can easily use the Internet to explore new avenues for their financial stability.
4. Ending Poverty
Providing equitable access to the internet to all members of a society can help them access markets and engage in economic development. People from low to fairly average-income backgrounds can use the internet to find work anywhere in the world and get out of poverty by selling a product and services.
5. Connect to Rural Areas
Rural areas in any country, especially developing countries are hard pressed due to the lack of resources. However, the internet can help them raise their voice and be found by resource distributors. Moreover, it bridges rural to urban areas offering rural areas to access opportunities available from urban areas.
6. Improves Literacy
The Internet allows people to get an education online; this is a good sign for people who cannot go to schools or access libraries. They can not only get online lectures and books but can access them anytime and anywhere. In sum, the availability of the Internet can significantly help people get online education, which increases the literacy rate of a region.
Bottom Line
The Internet has become an essential aspect of our lives, not because it helps connect with people but attaining sustainable development, which is the most important thing in the current financially challenged situation. It is the role of Internet Service providers to offer high-speed internet at rates that best-fit customers’ needs and requirements.
Author bio – A guest blogger has contributed this advertorial