mSTAR is proud to launch Business Models for the Last Billion: Market Approaches to Increasing Internet Connectivity.
As described in the report, the Internet is an integral part of the global economy. It generates more than $4 trillion and has been shown to increase opportunities in education, gender empowerment, and transparent governance.
Yet more than half the world’s population lacks Internet access. This so-called digital divide, between the connected and unconnected, is particularly acute in rural areas in the least developed countries. Low household incomes and high infrastructure investment costs deter investment in network connectivity, leaving communities and local economies cut off and at risk of falling further behind their peers.
However, this report uncovers innovative, low-cost business models that are being put in use around the world to connect the world’s lowest income consumers. When it comes to connecting the last billion, we have found that the opportunity is there, the technology exists, the businesses are viable, and the partners are willing.
Download the report here: Business Models for the Last Billion: Market Approaches to Increasing Internet Connectivity.
Participate in the conversation online with #ConnecttheLastBillion. Share ideas and experiences around connectivity for the last billion.
mSTAR thanks the authors of the report, Steve Schmida, Caitlin Lovegrove, and Isaac Williams from SSG Advisors for their efforts on this report. mSTAR is also grateful for the people around the world who gave their insights and time to help us more clearly understand the landscapes around business models for connectivity.
Closing the Digital Divide 