BUILDING BROADBAND
Figure 2.1 The Broadband Ecosystem
investments and demand
high-speed networks
av
services
users
ty bili rda d o f af an nce va rele
y
lit
bi
la ai
applications
access
Source: Authors’ representation.
then grow in number and sophistication, demanding and driving greater investments in networks and creating the virtuous circle for broadband.
The Importance of the Ecosystem Viewing broadband as an ecosystem helps define the likely roles that governments will need to play in using broadband as a tool in ICT for development. Broadband is more than the supply of access to networks and services and, thus, represents a significant shift away from the models used with telephones. To foster broadband markets, governments will have to move beyond their traditional “push” role focused on supply-side growth in ICT infrastructure and development of the ICT sector. A broader conceptual framework leads to a rethinking of the areas of focus for broadband policies and strategies. It suggests that to expand the ecosystem, governments will have to design various policies and programs focused on different components of the ecosystem.
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