Why is Connectivity in Developing Regions Expensive: Policy Challenges more than Technical Limitations?

• Rahul Tongia, Carnegie Mellon University, USA

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In this work, I present analysis examining some of the causes of poor connectivity in developing countries, Based on a techno- economic analysis and design, I show that technical limitations per se are not the bottleneck for widespread connectivity; rather, design, policy, and regulatory challenges dominate. The analysis shows a leapfrog design could bring affordable, accessible broadband to the majority of Africans, for a one-time capital cost of only a little over $1/capita.