Although statistics indicate that a billion people might not even have a basic cell phone, there are twice as many smartphones as there are people and as for devices connected to the internet - about 5 times more than actual people... and this list of connected things is growing fast.

https://findstack.com/internet-of-things-statistics/

https://www.bankmycell.com/blog/how-many-phones-are-in-the-world?fbclid=IwAR3kv7-Y-Z7X3vWJ5HQxHvW7QDh7nqu4elcPWw-l-G6REfcHq5aIWKwK4fs

Digital access refers to the ability to use and access digital technologies such as the internet, computers, smartphones, and other devices. While digital access has become increasingly important in modern society, not all individuals and communities have equal access to these technologies.

According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), approximately 53% of the world's population has access to the internet as of 2021. However, there are significant disparities in internet access across different regions and countries. For example, in Africa, only 28.2% of the population has access to the internet, compared to 87.7% in Europe.

Moreover, even within countries, there are significant disparities in digital access. In the United States, for example, approximately 25 million Americans lack access to high-speed internet, with rural and low-income communities being particularly affected. This lack of access can have a significant impact on individuals' ability to access education, job opportunities, and other resources.

In Canada, according to the Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA), approximately 94% of Canadian households have internet access as of 2021. However, there are still some disparities in internet access across different regions and communities in Canada.

Rural areas in Canada face greater challenges in accessing high-speed internet. According to a report by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), only 40% of rural households had access to internet speeds that met the CRTC's minimum standards in 2019, compared to 97% of urban households.

There are also differences in internet access based on income and age. According to a 2021 Statistics Canada survey, 99% of Canadians in households with an annual income of $100,000 or more had internet access, compared to 79% of those in households with an annual income of less than $30,000. In terms of age, while 99% of Canadians aged 15 to 34 had internet access, only 69% of those aged 65 and over had access.

In terms of device access, smartphones have become increasingly popular in Canada. According to a 2021 CIRA survey, 82% of Canadians owned a smartphone, with the highest ownership rates among those aged 18 to 34. However, not all Canadians have access to computers or tablets. According to the same survey, 13% of Canadians did not have access to a computer, while 25% did not have access to a tablet.

While the majority of Canadian households have internet access, there are still disparities in access based on region, income, age, and device ownership. It is important for policymakers and stakeholders to address these disparities and work towards creating more equitable digital access for all Canadians.

In addition to disparities in internet access, there are also differences in the types of access that individuals have. While some individuals may have access to high-speed broadband internet, others may rely on slower and less reliable connections such as dial-up or satellite internet. This can affect the quality of the online experience and limit individuals' ability to engage in activities that require high-speed internet such as video conferencing or online gaming.

In terms of device access, while smartphones have become increasingly ubiquitous, not all individuals have access to these devices. According to a 2020 Pew Research Center survey, approximately 7% of American adults do not own a smartphone, with older adults and those with lower levels of income and education being less likely to own a smartphone.

In conclusion, while digital access has become increasingly important in modern society, there are significant disparities in access across different regions, countries, and communities. These disparities can have a significant impact on individuals' ability to access education, job opportunities, and other resources. It is important for policymakers and stakeholders to address these disparities and work towards creating more equitable digital access for all.

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