Bridging the digital divide in developed markets : Market Research Report

Bridging the digital divide in developed markets

Published by: Ovum Plc

Published: Mar. 23, 2009 - 38 Pages

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: In a nutshell; Key messages; Digital and social inclusion go hand in hand; Creating demand will be key to success; Effective solutions will require further innovation; Basic broadband availability will be less of an issue in coming years; Limited access to high-speed broadband will create future divides; Don’t overestimate the benefits of NGA broadband - yet; Market forces are not enough to destroy digital divides; Education: from specialised training to peer-group help; National strategies must work with regional and local initiatives; Broadband: the great enabler; Less tech; more everyday; Digital divides go beyond PC-centric broadband; The digital movement: broadband power; There is overwhelming evidence of a direct link between ICT development and economic growth; There is a growing recognition of the economic cost of digital exclusion; Digital inclusion is crucial to social inclusion; Broadband access: an essential step in digital progress; Defining ‘fit for purpose’ is a discussion in flux; Stakeholders need more concrete guidance at a European level; Broadband for all: key challenges; Higher stakes, greater complexity; Basic broadband availability is far less of an issue today; Yet broadband penetration remains far below availability levels; Growth is slowing sharply; Availability and access: two different challenges; Availability: the urban/rural divide; High-speed broadband: the next divide; Accessibility: targeting groups with particular needs; Accessibility: physically impaired users; Accessibility and design; Understanding need and ability; Supply is useless without demand; Low income and limited skills are common factors; Making broadband easier: a key challenge; The solutions; Strategic collaboration required; Digital strategies for digital countries; Common goals; different emphasis and means; European governments and regulators need to ensure EU compatibility; Connecting rural areas: a key EU priority; USO: incumbents will no longer go it alone; Who pays? Monopoly funding is out of the question; “On my doorstep”: regional and local broadband strategies can provide extra momentum; Regional strategies are changing access dynamics; Drumming up demand: a key priority; Marketing the benefits; Change agents: tapping into youthful knowledge and enthusiasm; Greater emphasis on inclusive design; Legislation: a necessary baseline for accessibility; Broadband-based social services will accelerate adoption; The market challenge: squeezing segmentation and innovation; Paying for broadband: a blend of measures; Basic broadband is far more affordable today than ever before; Free basic access; low-cost high-speed access; Strict terms and conditions can act as a strong deterrent; Familiarity: a killer application; Mobile broadband: playing to demand and accessibility; Interactive TV: playing to demand and accessibility; Partnership working: challenging but essential; NGO/commercial partner: niche focus supported by commercial funding; Local authorities: sharing best practice via networks; Rainbow coalitions: joining different sectors around a common goal
List of Tables: Table 1: Reasons for not having Internet access; Table 2: National digital strategies: five key goals; Table 3: EU indicative rural development budget 2007-2013
List of Figures: Figure 1: The role of broadband in improving quality of life; Figure 2: Evolution of communication and infrastructure; Figure 3: Key issues around the digital divide; Figure 4: Supply and demand issues; Figure 5: Figure 5 Broadband penetration by household, 3Q08; Figure 6: Fixed broadband growth rates, 2005-08; Figure 7: Regional coverage of copper-based DSL networks, by speed; Figure 8: Reasons given for lack of broadband Internet access; Figure 9: PC penetration by household, year-end 2007; Figure 10: Digital inclusion: connected, but in diverse ways; Figure 11: The path to digital inclusion: issues and solutions

Abstract

Introduction

We live in a connected world in which regular Internet access is becoming crucial to our inclusion in mainstream society. Global infrastructure requirements are evolving rapidly, to the point where basic broadband is now required for simple services.

Scope

Ovum's research has, for over 20 years been focused at the junction of the technical and commercial domains. Ovum's market reports provide strategic analysis of evolving trends in wholesale, enterprise, consumer, networking, devices, and components markets. Our analysis drills down into market ecosystems and segments, inflection points, competitive landscapes and trends, vendor leadership and best practice.

Highlights

One common theme among telcos is clear - they are all looking to provide an efficient next-generation network on which they can offer high-quality value-added services (VASs) to their customers. Telecoms operators are faced with a string of challenges from defending their core fixed revenues to generating growth from new wave services and international operations.

Reasons to Purchase

Ovum's research helps vendors and service providers accelerate delivery of profitable new revenue streams. Our findings help businesses make more effective strategic and business decisions faster. For more information about how this specific research report can help your business please contact us.

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2/15/2012 - 30

Bridging the digital divide in developed markets

Table of Contents

Abstract