The latest Global Information Technology Report 2012 ranks Nepal 128 out of 142 countries in terms of network readiness. Insufficient development of ICT infrastructure has limited its ability to leverage information and communications technologies to boost country competitiveness. It has stifled entrepreneurship and innovation.
Out of a total score of 7, Nepal scored 2.9. Overall, Nepal’s technology readiness is lower than the average of low income countries (except for in affordability--in mobile cellular tariffs PPP $/min, Nepal is eighth competitive in the world).
| The Networked Readiness Index 2012 | |||||
| Rank | Country | Score | Rank | Country | Score |
| 1 | Sweden | 5.94 | 69 | India | 3.89 |
| 2 | Singapore | 5.86 | 71 | Sri Lanka | 3.88 |
| 3 | Finland | 5.81 | 102 | Pakistan | 3.39 |
| 4 | Denmark | 5.70 | 113 | Bangladesh | 3.20 |
| 5 | Switzerland | 5.61 | 128 | Nepal | 2.92 |
| 6 | Netherlands | 5.60 | 138 | Chad | 2.55 |
| 7 | Norway | 5.59 | 139 | Mauritania | 2.55 |
| 8 | United States | 5.56 | 140 | Angola | 2.49 |
| 9 | Canada | 5.51 | 141 | Yemen | 2.41 |
| 10 | United Kingdom | 5.50 | 142 | Haiti | 2.27 |
The index is composed to ten pillars. Nepal’s ranking (out of 142 countries) in each category is listed in brackets.
- Political and regulatory environment (123)
- Business and innovative environment (122)
- Infrastructure and digital content (135)
- Affordability (74)
- Skills (128)
- Individual usage (136)
- Business usage (130)
- Government usage (128)
- Economic impacts (132)
- Social impacts (126)
The report notes that ICT readiness in sub-Saharan Africa is still low, with most countries showing significant lags in connectivity due to insufficient development of ICT infrastructure, which remains too costly, and displaying poor skill levels that do not allow for an efficient use of the available technology. Even in those countries where ICT infrastructure has been improved, ICT-driven impacts on competitiveness and well-being trail behind, resulting in a new digital divide.
Under the theme Living in a Hyperconnected World, the report explores the causes and consequences of living in an environment where the Internet is accessible and immediate; people and businesses can communicate instantly; and machines are interconnected. The exponential growth of mobile devices, big data and social media is a driver of this process of hyperconnectivity and, consequently, fundamental transformations in all areas of society are being witnessed. This year’s report tracks how societies leverage ICT to derive important competitive advantages and increase social well-being.
