The role of broadband connectivity in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

TL;DR

This paper reviews how broadband connectivity impacts Sustainable Development Goals, highlighting the need for sustainable practices in emerging ultra-dense networks to ensure SDG progress without increasing environmental costs.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive review of 113 studies on broadband sustainability and offers four key recommendations to accelerate SDG achievement, especially in developing economies.

Findings

Limited studies on broadband sustainability exist.

Emerging networks like 5/6G increase carbon footprint.

Recommendations for sustainable broadband development.

Abstract

Broadband connectivity is a tool for catalyzing socio-economic development and reducing the societal inequalities. Recent studies have investigated the supporting role of broadband in addressing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Relationally, emerging ultra-dense broadband networks such as 5/6G have been linked to increased power consumption and more carbon footprint. With SDGs recognized as interdependent and addressing one should not jeopardize the achievement of the other, there is need for sustainability research. Despite the need to narrow the digital divide and address the SDGs by 2030, it is surprising that limited comprehensive studies exist on broadband sustainability. To this end, we review 113 peer reviewed journals focusing on six key areas (SDGs addressed, application areas, country income, technology, methodology and spatial focus). We further discuss our findings before making four key recommendations on broadband sustainability research to fast-track SDG achievement by 2030 especially for developing economies.