Activity File
Open Access Models
Options for Improving Backbone Access in Developing Countries (with a focus on sub-Saharan Africa)
Summary
Developing countries face enormous challenges in extending affordable access to telecommunications services to a wider cross section of their population, particularly in rural areas. Incumbent operators often have neither the resources, nor the incentive to invest in costly build-out of backbone infrastructure. Resources, and appropriate models, for public investment in such infrastructure is often lacking as well. Yet the need is urgent.
Background / Terms of Reference
Recent experience in a number of countries with "open access" models for the financing and ownership of backbone telecommunications infrastructure offer interesting insights into how new technologies, including the migration to IP-based networks, make possible new technical and business models for financing this infrastructure buildout.
To inform debate and decision making on these issues, both in developing countries and in the international development community, infoDev commissioned a study of recent experience with open access models, and of their possible applicability and relevance to developing countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.
This study, published in August 2005, came at an opportune time, in that it helped to inform and shape the international debate and planning for the proposed Eastern and Southern African Submarine Cable (EASSY) project. The EASSY project aims to substantially increase affordable international bandwith for a number of Eastern and Southern African countries. infoDev then provided follow-up support for this dialogue by supporting the coordinating role of the NEPAD e-Africa Commission relative to the EASSY project, and by supporting dialogue among civil society groups, and other key stakeholders, seeking to promote open access approaches within Africa.