Page 5 - SAMENA Trends - September 2021

BBCOM RECOMMENDATIONS FOR 21ST CENTURY FINANCING, FUNDING AND INVESTMENT SAMENA TRENDS

4 Key Recommendations by the Working

Group on 21st Century Financing, Funding and
Investment Models

Broadband Commission’s Working Group on 21st Century Financing, Funding
and Investment Models, operating within the Broadband Commission for
Sustainable Development – co-chaired by SAMENA Telecommunications
Council’s CEO, Bocar Ba – released the “Executive Summary” of the forthcoming
report on 21st Century Financing Models for Bridging Broadband Connectivity
Gaps on Sunday, 19 September 2021 during the Broadband Commission’s
Annual Fall Meeting. The upcoming report is a key first step in accelerating more
comprehensive and inclusive frameworks for ICT broadband infrastructure
development and for providing meaningful connectivity.

The larger strategic recommendations by Working Group’s Executive Summary
report are 1) Broadening the Base of Contributors, 2) Earmarking Proceeds
from ICT Sector Participants, 3) Reforming Universal Service and Access Funds
(USAFs), and 4) Creating an International Fund. These recommendations are
intended to drive progress in connectivity through a more effective set of
investment, funding, and financing mechanisms and
by engaging a broader range of stakeholders.

These strategic recommendations act as a
foundation for driving connectivity not only toward
the 2025 Targets, but toward the more optimistic
goal of connecting all populations into a larger fabric
where individuals and communities are not excluded
from the opportunity to live, work and engage with
their global peers. They function here to shine a light
on a growing narrative around connectivity – one
that emphasizes the shared benefits we all enjoy, our
collective responsibility, the commitment required,
the reform we must face, and the opportunity to
enable global connectivity for all.

New contribution models involve both traditional and
contemporary contributors, which has the doubly
beneficial effect of allowing traditional models to
be modified and upgraded as well as create entirely
new regimes. Each of the new models listed must
be attuned to local conditions. The Working Group
recommends thorough collaboration across public,
private, national, and international organizations.
The most promising combinations involve systemic
leadership, management, and problem-solving, thus
the link between the international fund described
above and national-level entities that have a better
understanding of the local landscapes and market
conditions.

The Executive Summary also serves as a call
for leadership and action. In the 21st century,
technology offers the opportunity to lift people out
of poverty, incorporate unconnected groups into the

5 SEPTEMBER 2021