Low cost broadband access and infrastrucure

Digital World Forum on Accessible and Inclusive ICT ('Digital World Forum') is a FP7 European project focusing on the use of ICT to leverage economic development in Africa and Latin America. The “Low-cost Broadband access and infrastructure” theme is part of a threefold dynamic, the 2 others being “Mobile Web” and “Low-cost laptops”. It proposes to take a pragmatic approach to the "last mile" issue, by assessing each key technological solution in the light of a typology of local contextual factors. The project focuses on wireless, non-satellite-based solutions, in order to stay in line with a stringent low-cost approach.

Africa as a whole is characterized by a very low penetration rate of fixed networks but a growing set of alternative technologies have emerged and could be used to serve the local loop: WiFi, WiMax, CDMA, HSPDA… These technologies raise hope for ambitious broadband access roll-outs through contained capital expenditure.

The aim of the platform is to contribute to the identification of such technologies, whether existing or emerging, in the specific context of emerging markets. We welcome all suggestions, proposals and feedbacks from local and international stakeholders, which may help define future relevant initiatives to be undertaken in this field at EU level.