In the latest study published in May 2014, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) on the development of broadband internet in the 26 countries of Latin America and the Caribbean, Haiti is ranked last...

The 26 countries in the region have an average index of 4.46 well below the 6.14 of member countries of the OECD (Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development).

The 3 first country in the ranking are Chile with a combined index of 5,57, Barbados 5,7 and Brazil with 5.32. The last 3 are Surinam (24th) with an index of 3,12, Belize (25th) 3,11 and Haiti (26th of 26) with an index of 1,71.

The index of broadband development was calculated by combining 37 indicators noted from 1 to 8, selected on the basis of four pillars: public policy and strategic vision, strategic regulation, infrastructure and applications and knowledge.

Haiti gets: public policy and strategic vision (1.35), strategic regulation (3.34), infrastructure (1.0) and applications and the level of education (1.36), for a total weighted of 37 indicators of 1,71.

Note that the Dominican Republic occupies the 13th position with an indice of 4.22.

Antonio Garcia Zaballos, Responsible for telecommunications and initiative of broadband in IDB states that "In a modern society, broadband is the key ingredient of public policy to accelerate economic growth and reduce inequalities." This study estimates that a 10% penetration of broadband services in the region, would result in an average increase of 3.2% growth in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 2.6% in productivity.

The recovery of the Haitian economy must definitely consider broadband internet technology and significantly increase the penetration of this service to the people. Recall that in 2012, the rate of Internet penetration in Haiti was 10.9% while it was 74.9% for Antigua and Barbuda.

The main obstacle to the development of broadband, in the greater region is its cost 8 times higher (on average) than OECD countries. This lack of coordination between public and private sectors increases, particularly in Haiti, the digital divide between urban and rural areas. For Haiti takes advantage of this technology, it is necessary that all stakeholders, including businesses, legislators and regulators working together towards a common goal of reducing the digital divide and upgrade at the level of neighboring countries of the region.

SL/ HaitiLibre