Join us on Wednesday 6 July to explore innovative solutions for making handsets more affordable in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Our conversation will focus on ways mobile operators, policymakers and all stakeholders working on digital inclusion in LMICs can make handsets more affordable and accessible. You will learn how collaboration throughout the handset value chain is key to addressing this issue. This 1-hour session will bring together leading voices who will discuss innovative solutions to the affordability challenge in LMICs.

The affordability of internet-enabled handsets is a key barrier to using mobile internet, disproportionately affecting women, rural populations and lower income groups. While the price of an entry-level internet enabled handset has been declining, handsets have simultaneously become less affordable in many countries due to the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic.

At a time where being connected is more critical than ever, it is urgent to draw attention to the development of innovative business models and approaches that make handsets accessible to a wide range of consumers. Handsets are diversifying, financing schemes are expanding, and governments are contributing in this effort to provide connectivity options to more underserved consumers. But we need to ramp up efforts and cooperation in each part of each country to ensure no one is left behind.

We look forward to discussing with you the most promising approaches to improve handset affordability. Have a look at our report on the topic and get your questions ready for our live session!