The course on "Business Plan for Broadband Network" is designed to provide participants with both theoretical principles and practical guidelines for developing comprehensive business plans for broadband network projects. The training will take place from 11-13 October 2023 in Banjul, Gambia.
In our increasingly digital society, access to high-speed and reliable broadband Internet is crucial for the provision of services, applications, and content. Extending broadband access to unserved and underserved populations is a fundamental aspect of telecommunication and ICT public policy, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. One of the primary challenges to broadband expansion is the lack of network infrastructure, which includes transport and access networks, terminal devices, and affordability issues. This often results in limited providers willing to offer services in such areas. Regulatory arrangements and connectivity measures are essential to encourage infrastructure deployment, particularly in rural and remote regions, ensuring universal access to online technologies and services.
Regulators and policymakers have employed various strategies, such as public funds, universal service funds, and public-private partnerships, to expand broadband networks. These strategies aim to incentivize investments in economically less attractive areas where market forces alone might not suffice.
The course provides participants with theoretical insights and practical guidelines for estimating the net present value of a broadband project. It covers aspects like demand assessment, operating costs, revenue projection, required investments, and capital costs identification. The economic and accounting concepts used in the methodology are well-established and documented. The training focuses on developing a strategy to build broadband infrastructure and evaluating business plans for potential operators. Participants will learn how to assess variables like demand, investments, operational costs, and how to estimate the cost of capital for different project elements. The course aims to facilitate the creation of credible and coherent business plans adaptable to various broadband infrastructure projects. It guides participants in assessing economic viability and making informed decisions regarding broadband infrastructure installation and deployment plans.
Agenda
Day 1: Building the Foundation (October 11th)
Explore the world of broadband, from DSL to satellite, and understand their roles in connectivity.
Dive into the vast sea marine cable and satellite infrastructure, vital for global broadband.
Uncover the potential of satellite connectivity for rural areas and learn about the associated costs.
Discover worldwide broadband initiatives, including the ITU Broadband Commission's agenda for sustainable development.
Day 2: Unleashing the Impact (October 12th)
Delve into the economic impact of broadband and how it can transform communities.
Explore the role of broadband in achieving universal access, powering smart cities, and connecting rural areas.
Learn how broadband drives e-government, healthcare, education, agriculture, and digital commerce.
Understand the societal effects of broadband, from job creation to its resilience during global challenges.
Discuss digital transformation and its contribution to GDP targets for SDGs.
Day 3: Investment and Business Models (October 13th)
Explore licensing and royalties in government regulations.
Delve into investment initiatives aimed at reducing license costs and boosting broadband investment.
Discover public policy recommendations and the importance of a robust regulatory framework.
Analyze business cases for rural broadband connectivity through real-world examples.
A joint initiative of the AU, EU and ITU
