Rural Coverage Initiatives: Case Studies and Analysis

"Rural coverage initiatives involving operators, governments, industry bodies and private investors are being explored to improve the commercial sustainability of providing coverage to underserved locations."

This report analyses the approaches that stakeholders such as operators, governments, industry bodies, regulatory practices and private investors are taking to improving rural coverage. The analysis is based on a series of case studies that reflect different strategies. The report also provides recommendations for stakeholders that are interested in getting involved in a rural coverage initiative and want to understand which strategies have been used by other projects, the challenges they may have faced; and the success and/or progress of each initiative.

Questions answered in this report:

• What is the rationale behind rural coverage initiatives?

• What are the main approaches/strategies taken by stakeholders?

• Who are the stakeholders and partners involved in rural coverage initiatives?

• What are the benefits and drawbacks of the approaches?

• Have rural initiatives been successful and/or beneficial in terms of closing rural coverage gaps?

Case studies included in this report: