Internet coverage in the European Union (EU) is impressive, standing at 100%; however, numbers on de facto usage (85%), broadband take-up (78%), users with at least basic digital skills (58%), next-generation access coverage providing at least 30 Mbps (86%) and 5G readiness (21%) cloud the picture.

       The significance of these circumstances does not only lie in the economic implications but also in the severe consequences for the individual and the society. People without adequate Internet access are missing out on means of participation and opportunities that have become part of everyday life. Countless contributions have been published on socioeconomic inequalities relating to access to, use of or impact of ICTs (information and communication technologies), known as the digital divide(s). These divides will only deepen, as disconnected citizens are likely to miss out on long-term benefits of innovation (information society) and modernization.

         The coronavirus pandemic exacerbated the social inequalities related to insufficient connectivity: privileged users experienced dropped calls and disrupted downloads, while disadvantaged users were left with no access at all or with makeshift solutions.

Internet:<www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank>  (adapted).