The GSMA, an association that represents the interests of mobile operators worldwide, has joined the Alliance for Affordable Internet (A4AI), a diverse global coalition of over 50 members committed to driving down the cost of internet access in developing countries via regulatory and policy reform.
The GSMA said it will work closely with A4AI to identify policy and regulatory barriers to internet access and affordability and collaborate on plans to address global issues.
According to GSMA Intelligence, penetration rates of mobile subscribers are as low as 20% in Ethiopia, 28% in India and 30% in Pakistan, though high levels of multiple SIM ownership mean the numbers of mobile connections are higher.
“There is an urgent need for affordable smartphones, the rapid, economically viable deployment of wireless broadband infrastructure in rural areas and the promotion of digital literacy to help connect the unconnected in underserved communities around the world,” Anne Bouverot, Director General, GSMA.
Sonia Jorge, Executive Director of A4AI said mobile broadband remains prohibitively expensive in most developing countries. A4AI's recent affordability report highlighted that for those living on less than $2 a day, mobile broadband costs in excess of 20% of monthly incomes in many countries, and skyrockets to as much as 48% of income in Colombia, and 35% in Zambia.
“A4AI is tackling the regulatory and policy barriers that keep prices artificially high. Working with the GSMA and its members to lower cost structures and develop innovative delivery approaches will be a significant boost to our efforts. We must drive broadband prices down rapidly to enable billions more – particularly women and under-served rural communities – to access the life-changing potential of the Internet.”