Powerful tool for deploying high-speed broadband in rural areas

Internet is essential to everyday life. The World Bank estimates that the digital economy will make up a quarter of the global GDP by the end of the next decade.

However, over 4 billion people still live disconnected from the web while more have no broadband connectivity. Lack of internet access is an issue for developing countries despite a decade-long process of emerging solutions and attempts on improving digital connectivity.

Published by The World Bank, the Salience Consulting and TMG Consulting, the Innovative business models for expanding the fibre-optic network and closing the access gaps report examined 70 case studies that provide guidance on innovative business models and approaches to deploy high-speed broadband networks for policymakers. One of the case studies features a community-based broadband network, Village Telco. The initiative provides affordable access to broadband to low-income communities that previously spent up to 50% of their income on telecommunications services.

“Village Telco offers a networking solution to connect local communities and telecommunications service providers at low cost. The network is designed to be self-installed by users with relatively limited technical knowledge…To date, there have been eight publicized deployments around the world – three in South Africa, and one each in Nigeria, Colombia, Puerto Rico, Timor-Leste, and Brazil.”

The report differs from other collections of case-studies as it examines what aspects of deployment models have worked and what hasn’t. Experts analyzed different business models and projects of the broadband infrastructure value chain – cross-border, national backbone, middle mile, and last mile.

“The central purpose of this discussion of business models is to assist policymakers in understanding the wide variety of means available to implement infrastructure deployment. It is important to keep in mind the context in which these business models emerge. Of particular significance is when and how the state participates in these initiatives.”

This report is a powerful reference tool that provides recommendations and alternatives for governments on how to choose the most appropriate approach and business model to unlock investments in broadband and expand access to internet to rural and remote areas.

Read the full report here: Innovative business models for expanding the fibre-optic network and closing the access gaps

Source: Salience Consulting