Have you noticed how some communities seem to have access to every new piece of tech while others struggle to get reliable internet? This gap is what experts call the digital divide, and it’s a big problem. But the good news? Technology might just be the solution to this very issue.

The digital divide refers to the gap between those who can easily access technology, such as high-speed internet, computers, and smartphones, and those who can’t. But this isn’t just about gadgets; it’s about opportunities. People without access to technology often struggle with daily tasks that many take for granted, like applying for jobs, attending online school, or even accessing basic services like healthcare and banking.

This problem impacts everything from education to employment and even social mobility. According to the United Nations, almost 37% of the world’s population is still offline as of 2023. Without access to modern technology, these people are at risk of being left behind in an increasingly digital world.

Here’s where tech comes in. Companies, governments, and nonprofits are using innovation to close this gap. Below, we explore some of the most exciting tech-driven solutions addressing the digital divide, with real-world examples to show what’s already working.

1. Expanding Internet Access

One of the main reasons behind the digital divide is inadequate internet access. Millions of people, especially in rural areas or low-income neighborhoods, either have slow internet or no connection at all. Without internet access, most online opportunities remain out of reach. Thankfully, technology is helping close this gap.

Satellite Internet

One major development is satellite internet, which utilizes low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites to provide high-speed internet to even the most remote locations. Companies like SpaceX’s Starlink and Amazon’s Project Kuiper are building networks of satellites that beam internet signals from space. This innovation eliminates the need for expensive ground infrastructure, which has traditionally been a barrier in underserved areas.

For example, Starlink has already been deployed in rural Alaska, allowing communities in remote regions to access high-speed internet for the first time. Farmers in these regions report how they can now leverage agricultural tech like GPS-based tools and remote sensors to improve crop yields, something previously unheard of in these areas.

Community Wi-Fi Networks

Another approach is creating community Wi-Fi networks, where neighborhoods pool resources to create affordable, shared internet access points. One inspiring example comes from Detroit, Michigan, where nonprofit groups like the Equitable Internet Initiative have set up neighborhood Wi-Fi networks. These networks have empowered underserved communities by connecting families to online education, telehealth services, and local news. These grassroots initiatives are proving that when communities come together, internet access improves for everyone.

By breaking down traditional barriers to internet infrastructure, these solutions pave the way for a more connected future.

2. Affordable Tech Devices

Access to the internet is a game-changer, but without a device to connect, people are still left in the dark. Smartphones and laptops are essential tools in today’s world, yet millions can’t afford them. To tackle this issue, companies and organizations are working on providing budget-friendly devices to underserved communities.

Budget Devices and Refurbished Tech

Take Google’s Chromebooks, for instance. These lightweight, low-cost laptops are ideal for students and basic work tasks. Priced significantly lower than most traditional laptops, Chromebooks have become a staple in schools aiming to bridge gaps in digital learning tools.

Similarly, nonprofits like Human-I-T refurbish old electronics, transforming outdated laptops, desktops, and tablets into functional devices for low-income families. Since its founding, Human-I-T has distributed over 1 million devices to communities in need. By donating your unused tech, you could directly help another person gain access to the digital world.

Real-World Success Story

Kenya’s solar-powered tablet initiative highlights how affordable tech can be tailored to local contexts. The tablets, equipped with solar chargers, are distributed to students in rural areas with limited electricity. These tools are preloaded with educational materials, giving students access to digital learning even in off-grid regions.

Making devices affordable and accessible isn’t just about gadgets. It’s about giving people tools to take part in the modern economy.

3. Digital Literacy Programs

Having access to technology isn’t helpful if you don’t know how to use it. This is where digital literacy education comes in. Teaching people the skills they need to confidently interact with technology is essential for bridging the divide.

Free Access to Training Programs

Many schools, libraries, and nonprofits have stepped up to provide free workshops that teach everything from creating a basic email account to mastering productivity software like Excel or Google Docs. For instance, Goodwill’s Digital Career Accelerator initiative has taught over 1.25 million people essential tech skills since 2017.

Similarly, companies are contributing through free online courses. Microsoft’s Digital Skills Center, in partnership with LinkedIn, offers learning modules for people of all ages, ranging from beginner-level tutorials on internet safety to advanced training in coding and data analysis.

Lifelong Benefits

Digital literacy programs also help senior citizens, who are often overlooked in conversations about the digital divide. Organizations like Generations on Line provide user-friendly apps and resources tailored to older adults, helping them connect with family through video calls or access medical services online.

These programs ensure that once people have access to technology, they’re equipped to take full advantage of it.

4. Partnerships Between Tech Giants and Governments

Addressing the digital divide is a costly endeavor. Rolling out high-speed internet infrastructure or ensuring every household has access to devices requires significant funding. This is where collaboration between governments and private companies becomes crucial.

The Affordable Connectivity Program

Take the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) in the United States, for example. Funded by the government and supported by providers like AT&T and Verizon, the ACP provides subsidies to low-income families, reducing internet bills and ensuring they can stay connected. Participants in the program report not only being able to complete schoolwork but also secure better job opportunities online.

Corporate Commitments

Globally, companies like Facebook (Meta) have partnered with governments to launch initiatives aimed at connecting underserved populations. Meta’s Express Wi-Fi program collaborates with local ISPs to deploy affordable Wi-Fi hotspots in underserved areas, primarily across Africa and India.

Collaborative efforts between private and public sectors are vital to making long-term solutions sustainable.

5. Mobile Internet Solutions

Building expensive broadband infrastructure isn’t always feasible in rural or underserved areas. For many regions, the solution lies in mobile internet.

The Mobile Leap

Governments and companies in countries like India, Nigeria, and Indonesia have prioritized expanding mobile networks rather than traditional broadband. Low-cost data plans and widespread mobile penetration have made affordable smartphones the go-to tool for internet access.

Apps like Google Go and YouTube Go have been specially designed for users with limited bandwidth. These lightweight apps allow people to stream and browse online with minimal data usage, making mobile internet practical even for those with unstable connections.

Empowerment Through Mobile

An example of mobile’s impact is Zimbabwe’s EcoCash, a mobile payment app that allows users to transfer money, pay bills, and access financial services without needing a bank account. This innovation significantly improves the economic prospects of people in regions without traditional banks.

For many, mobile connectivity is a lifeline to modern resources and opportunities.

6. Tech for Schools

Schools are vital for closing the digital divide. However, many classrooms lack the tools needed for digital learning. Edtech companies and nonprofits are working to ensure no student is left behind.

Digital Classrooms

Platforms like Khan Academy and Coursera are making high-quality education free and accessible globally. Schools in underserved regions have adopted these tools to provide students with opportunities they’d otherwise miss.

An exciting innovation comes from programs like Powering Education, which uses solar-powered classrooms in areas without reliable electricity. These setups include digital projectors, tablets, and offline servers with preloaded educational content.

A Broad Impact

Through tools like these, rural schools in countries such as Uganda and Nepal have reported significant improvements in literacy and mathematics scores. When students have access to digital tools, they’re better prepared for modern jobs and higher education opportunities.

The Bigger Picture

Bridging the digital divide isn’t just about giving people access to the internet; it’s about creating a fairer world. When people gain access to technology, they unlock pathways to better education, health services, jobs, and personal growth.

But while progress is being made, the work isn’t done. By supporting tech-driven solutions, donating unused devices, advocating for better internet policies, or helping someone learn digital skills, you too can be part of the solution.

The future is digital. And when everyone has access to the tools they need, we all win.