Making broadband accessible to all

Over investment in fibre optic networks expensive and unnecessary

2011 Social Impact of Mobiles (SIM) report states affordable internet access will be provided by mobile technology and requires innovative content and pricing

London May 19th 2011. The 2011 SIM Report concludes that the most effective way to provide affordable internet access to the majority of people in emerging economies is to extend the reach and capability of mobile networks. The current policy of focusing on significant investment in fibre access networks is unsustainable given the cost of deployment in rural areas. The report also suggests that greater efforts should be made to increase the amount of content and services that are valued by users as a way of driving the demand for data services and therefore increasing business opportunities.

Key findings:

• The ubiquity of mobile and the growing number of low cost smart devices means that data services will be primarily accessed via mobile, particularly in emerging markets
• Risk of over investment in the deployment of fixed line fibre access networks
• Global websites, especially social networking sites, are becoming increasingly popular and will be a platform for the development of local content which in turn will help to drive down cost
• Increased availability of spectrum will drive technology innovations and better coverage for the growing demand for mobile broadband services
  
  

The Policy Paper Series - Number 12 - May 2011

Making Broadband Accessible For All

Download PDF (2.1 MB)