This policy brief explores drivers of handset affordability, offers policy recommendations for addressing this important challenge, and highlights GSMA initiatives that can be leveraged in efforts to advance digital inclusion for all.
Handset affordability is the most cited barriers to mobile internet adoption among mobile users aware of it in LMICs and must be addressed in order to expand digital inclusion. Underserved populations, particularly women, rural communities, and those with lower incomes, are disproportionately affected by this challenge.
Improving handset affordability is about addressing people’s ability as well as willingness to pay. The brief provides policy recommendations to reduce handset costs, such as eliminating sector-specific taxes and fees, as well as ways to improve willingness to pay. Furthermore, it includes recommendations to increase access to financing, including enabling innovative financing mechanisms and engaging in public-private partnerships to de-risk handset financing.
The GSMA continues to support governments, mobile operators, the wider mobile ecosystem and other partners on handset affordability through data and research, technical assistance, resources for project implementation, as well as through facilitating collaboration and knowledge exchange.