Making internet-enabled phones more affordable in low- and middle-income countries

GSMA released a report that identifies approaches and business models that are enhancing the affordability of handsets for various underserved populations in low and low-middle-income countries (LMICs). To this aim, it examines the distinctions between these groups as well as their different needs and variations between markets in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. The report pinpoints two key levers to deliver more affordable handsets: reducing the price of the handset through efficiency gains and cost savings in the value chain and improving customer access to financing, which should be supported by an enabling policy environment. The report further highlights the roles that stakeholders throughout the handset value chain can play in addressing the affordability barrier and outlines practical recommendations for these stakeholders.