2017宽带负担能力报告（英文版）_46页_1mb

2017 Affordability Report Summary

Core Content

This report outlines the global challenge of making broadband internet affordable for all, highlighting the slow progress in achieving this goal and the need for urgent policy reforms. It presents the Affordability Drivers Index (ADI) as a tool to measure the effectiveness of policies in reducing broadband costs and improving access. The report also emphasizes the importance of public access solutions, market competition, spectrum management, infrastructure sharing, and Universal Service and Access Funds (USAFs) in driving affordability and expanding internet access.

Main Points

1. Global Internet Penetration

• In 2017, the world will reach 50% internet penetration, marking the first time more people are online than offline.
• However, women in developing countries are disproportionately excluded from internet access.
• The UN Sustainable Development Goals set a target for affordable, universal internet access by 2020, but progress is too slow to meet this goal.

2. Affordability Challenges

• Connectivity costs remain high, with 1GB of data costing nearly 18% of the average monthly income in Africa.
• Broadband prices are not falling fast enough to enable low-income and marginalised populations to access the internet.
• The "1 for 2" target (1GB for no more than 2% of income) is more realistic and inclusive than the outdated 5% benchmark.

3. Policy Gaps

• Only 45% of countries have plans to facilitate resource sharing among telecom providers.
• Just one in three countries has a detailed, time-bound spectrum plan.
• Over a third of countries lack active or functioning USAFs.
• 41% of countries have outdated or missing national broadband plans.

4. Affordability Drivers Index (ADI)

• The ADI measures the effectiveness of policies that reduce broadband costs and improve access.
• It evaluates two main areas: infrastructure and access.
• A higher ADI score correlates with lower broadband costs.
• Colombia leads the ADI rankings for the second consecutive year.

5. Key Recommendations

• Employ public access solutions such as subsidised access in schools and public WiFi to reach the unconnected.
• Foster market competition through smart policy reforms.
• Implement innovative uses of spectrum with clear timelines and transparent policies.
• Promote infrastructure and resource sharing to reduce costs and improve service delivery.
• Make effective use of USAFs to support underserved communities.

Key Countries and Their Progress

Top Countries in ADI 2017

• Colombia, Mexico, Peru, Malaysia, and Costa Rica are among the top five.
• These countries have implemented effective policies, including:
  • Colombia: Launched the Internet Móvil Social para la Gente programme, which subsidises data and devices for low-income and unconnected citizens.
  • Mexico: Introduced legislative reforms in 2014, leading to improved competition and transparency.
  • Peru and Malaysia: Successfully implemented infrastructure sharing and time-bound broadband targets.
  • Costa Rica: Improved internet access through its USAF and national broadband initiatives.

Countries with Significant Improvements

• Jordan: Improved its ADI ranking by 13 places due to:
  • Simplified licensing regime.
  • Infrastructure sharing mandates.
  • Public internet access via knowledge stations.
• Benin: Improved its ranking by 9 places through:
  • Increased transparency in regulatory decisions.
  • Better public consultation mechanisms.
  • Improved service quality monitoring.
• Ecuador, Botswana, and Vietnam: Introduced new regulations and policies that contributed to their rise in ADI rankings.

Conclusion

The report underscores the urgent need for policy action to reduce broadband costs and improve access. It calls for ambitious targets, transparent and competitive policies, and the implementation of public access solutions to ensure that everyone, including the poorest and most marginalised, can benefit from the digital revolution. While some countries are leading the way, many are still lagging, and the pace of change must accelerate to meet global connectivity goals.