Description: Given that access to infrastructure is a prerequisite for digital transformations of countries, network operators play a key role for digital inclusion. Operators have historically built, invested, operated and provided telecommunication services. Meanwhile, recent technological developments, such as the migration to IP networks, have effectively decoupled services from transmission networks allowing services to converge over IP networks. Consequently, different operator models have emerged ranging from traditionally vertical integrated models to wholesales network access models, ultimately impacting how digital inclusion will be realised. This workshop aims to discuss innovative ways to connect people and business to strive for a better digital inclusion. Different operator models will be discussed and how they can contribute to expand connectivity, especially in underserved areas. It will also discuss ongoing challenges operators are facing when aiming at expanding broadband provision and how these could be overcome. Overall, it seeks to identify solutions and tools that can help bring better, more affordable and inclusive digital services to remote and rural areas and underserved groups. An analysis of recent trends shows than rather than one solution or one business model, there will likely be a rather a wide range of types of operators with different roles in providing services for developing and developed countries. For access to affordable broadband to be expanded and improved, it is critical that the sector continues to invest in order to facilitate the new generations of networks to be deployed. Policy makers will need to monitor the enabling environment for investments in infrastructure and engage in dialogue with business, civil society, technical community and international organisations, to exchange good practices in order to facilitate digital transformations in their economies and societies. Key questions that would be addressed in the workshop include: • What are the main existing challenges to expand quality and affordable broadband services in underserved areas in a context of the fast changing landscape in telecommunication markets? • What new business models and technological solutions can assist to narrow the digital broadband divide? What operator models have proven to work well to expand connectivity? • What tools could be developed to ensure that Internet access is both sustainable and inclusive (for women and girls, older people, people living with disabilities, refugees and other disadvantaged groups)? Moderator • Bengt Molleryd, PTS (government), Sweden, confirmed Panelists • Verena Weber, OECD (international organisation), Germany, confirmed • Chenai Chair, Research ICT Africa (civil society/academia), South Africa, confirmed • Teresa Gomes, Internet Para Todos (NGO), Venezuela, confirmed • Robert Pepper, Facebook (business), United States, confirmed • Suresh Sidhu, edotco Group (business), Malaysia, tbc Online moderator • Lorrayne Porciuncula, OECD (international organisation), Brazil, confirmed Agenda 1. Setting the scene (5 minutes) - The moderator will explain the purpose of the workshop, present statistics regarding connectivity in the world and share some of key questions related to different operator models and their effects in expanding broadband around the world. 2. Operator models and digital inclusion (30 minutes) - The moderator will invite panelists to describe the main trends and initiatives on technology developments and different operator models around the world by answering the following questions: “What new business models and technological solutions can assist to narrow the digital broadband divide? What operator models have proven to work well to expand connectivity?”: • Persisting challenges and possible solutions (30 minutes) - The moderator will invite the main panelists to answer the questions: “What are the main existing challenges to expand quality and affordable broadband services in underserved areas in a context of the fast changing landscape in telecommunication markets?” and “What tools could be developed to ensure that Internet access is both sustainable and inclusive (for women and girls, older people, people living with disabilities, refugees and other disadvantaged groups)?”. 3. Questions and answers (20 minutes) - The moderator will open the floor for a section of questions and answers between the audience or panelists. 4. Wrap-up (5 minutes) – The moderator will summarise the main points and wrap up the discussions.
Expected Outcomes: This workshop will be an opportunity to engage with the broader set of stakeholders present at the IGF to carry out a concrete analysis of the existing and developing business models to provide connectivity in both developing and developed countries. In focusing on the specific issues related to the advantages and disadvantages of each business model through the lenses of policy objectives, this workshop will shed light into what the barriers and innovative solutions are for realising the digital broadband inclusion for all.
