Digital divide still there

The gap was highlighted in a new report from the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Information Economy Report. The gap is not narrowing with rich countries increasing by 15% in six months its number of broadband subscribers and reaching some 30%-50% penetration, while in developing countries penetration is less than 1% in 1/3 of poor countries. China, with some 40m DSL lines in service reports a penetration of less than 3%. For half of developing countries, we do not have valid figures. With broadband becoming so vital for businesses, offering such competitve advantages, how can compete companies in developing countries? Just low-cost manufacturing, low wages!! The report compares broadband to utilities such as water and electricity. But acces is not equal for all, yet for some time.