Energising Mobile Network Investment
The era of mobile connectivity is upon us. Over the past decade, the use of mobile devices to communicate, shop, or stream a movie or video game has become a feature of everyday life in many countries around the world. Even so, the importance of mobile for consumers and businesses is set to grow as new technologies, such as 5G, boost connection speeds and improve reliability.
As we examine in this report, a vibrant mobile sector does not simply benefit industry players. It also creates broader societal and economic advantages. Mobile opens up new channels for companies to reach their customers, enables challenger firms to disrupt incumbents, and supports the creation of mobile-first businesses. Because of these attributes, mobile’s importance as a driver of global economic growth is increasing.
Yet many countries are in danger of missing out on the economic, commercial, and societal benefits of mobile because they lack a vibrant mobile-enabled ecosystem. Mobile operators are facing challenges worldwide that are impacting their top-line revenues and increasing their cost base. But the environment in developing economies is particularly demanding.
Nevertheless, there are clear steps that policymakers in developing economies can take to support investment by operators and help build a robust domestic mobile sector. In our report, we have also examined effective interventions in countries with leading mobile industries (including India, South Korea, and the US) across multiple dimensions.
Based on our findings, we have made recommendations for specific policy actions in four areas:
- Fiscal burden reduction;
- Fairness of the regulatory framework;
- Flexibility to operate;
- Facilitation by government.
Through these actions, policymakers can not only help build a thriving mobile sector but also ensure that countries reap the full benefits of mobile connectivity.