Innovative Business Models for Expanding Broadband and Closing the Access Gaps

Recognizing that approximately half of the world’s population remains unconnected to the Internet and that the cost of Internet access remains higher than recommended guidelines in many countries. This digital divide and the factors that create or exacerbate it are driving policymakers to expand Internet access as a critical foundation for the digital economy, the focus of this course. Digital connectivity has also been at the forefront of the world’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic – providing means for people to communicate and share information as countries impose extreme social-distancing measures, enabling remote work by governments and businesses, and allowing citizens access to essential services such as telehealth, online education, and digital financial services.

• Describe the importance of leveraging new business models for expanding Internet access, in particular with respect to bridging the digital divide.
• Describe the broadband value chain.
• Identify key broadband technology options.
• Describe policy options available for encouraging broadband expansion.
• Consider the appropriate role of the state in broadband projects.