Closing the gap in internet access is important and needs creative solutions. Here are some key points to understand the situation:

The Issue:

• As of 2021, around 37% of people around the world did not have internet access.
• People living in rural areas were affected even more, with 19% fewer having the internet compared to those in cities.

Creative Solutions:

1. Community Networks:

   • Local groups can create their own internet networks.
   • For example, Guifi.net in Spain has successfully connected over 40,000 users by working together as a community.

2. Satellite Internet:

   • Companies like SpaceX's Starlink want to provide internet to everyone, no matter where they live.
   • By 2022, they were already providing service in more than 40 countries, showing it can reach remote places.

3. Public Wi-Fi Initiatives:

   • Some cities, like New York and San Francisco, have started free public Wi-Fi programs.
   • In 2021, San Francisco's program had around 24,000 users each month.

4. Affordable Devices and Digital Skills Training:

   • Organizations can help give out low-cost devices to people who need them.
   • Programs like Google's "Grow with Google" have taught over 1 million people how to use technology better.

5. Government Support and Investments:

   • Spending money on improving internet infrastructure could create $2 trillion in economic growth and provide jobs for millions of people.

Working on these solutions is very important for making sure everyone around the world has fair access to technology.