Results

• GSM data networks solve the last mile problem quickly, reliably and economically, with bandwidth sufficient for a large variety of valuable data services
• There is significant demand for data services from 'bottom of the pyramid' consumers, even in rural areas, and they are prepared to pay for access to data due to the high costs associated with alternative methods of obtaining such information (for example, lengthy and expensive travel)
• It is important to offer e-services as well as simple Internet access. Our research has shown the most popular services include job information, e-government, telemedicine, entertainment, news and school/university results
• Governments and network operators should not treat this as charity. If the initiative is set up correctly, the project will grow organically without financial assistance from external donors, delivering a positive social and economic impact at scale
• A win-win structure has been established for all parties: the MNO, the micro-finance supplier, the entrepreneur, and, most importantly, the individuals who benefit from the services

Outcomes

Following the successful pilot, Grameenphone in Bangladesh turned the pilot into a commercial venture to bring internet connectivity to every sub-district in Bangladesh and in just nine months, over 560 Community Information Centres (CICs) were set up.

The Shared Access to Data programme has seen the one of the world's first Shared Access initiatives involving High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) by MTN South Africa as a part of the MTN@ccess scheme. Delivering high-speed internet access to remote areas at speeds comparable to fixed broadband, HSDPA is the key to bringing the vast resources available on the Internet within the reach of ordinary people. There are now eight data centres live in South African townships with MTN@ccess and MTN are committed to a commerical roll-out of this model.