[Pal-dc] FW: A4AI Newsletter | Key Recommendations from 2017 Affordability Report

Tue Apr 4 16:09:37 BST 2017

Dear all,

The below, and in particular the Report, which includes focus on a number of options for promoting public access (notably libraries) may be of interest.

Thanks,

Stephen

From: Alliance for Affordable Internet [mailto:karolle.rabarison=webfoundation.org at mail161.suw18.rsgsv.net] On Behalf Of Alliance for Affordable Internet
Sent: 04 April 2017 17:54
To: Stephen Wyber <Stephen.Wyber at ifla.org>
Subject: A4AI Newsletter | Key Recommendations from 2017 Affordability Report

March 2017, Issue 37

View in your browser<http://us3.campaign-archive1.com/?u=140b64295484059aa7f2d5fc9&id=8d00641da3&e=6ca4eecdac>

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FEATURED STORY

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Internet cafes are important businesses in communities where people cannot afford their own connection. Arusha, Tanzania. Photo via Karolle Rabarison.<http://a4ai.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=140b64295484059aa7f2d5fc9&id=e6137e7951&e=6ca4eecdac>

Key Recommendations from 2017 Affordability Report

Today 50% of the world’s population remains offline — why do they still lack the opportunity to connect? Our latest research found that, despite pledging to provide affordable, universal internet access, many governments are failing to take concrete action towards this promise.
In February 2017, A4AI released the fourth edition of the Affordability Report.<http://a4ai.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=140b64295484059aa7f2d5fc9&id=465616ff6c&e=6ca4eecdac> This annual report tracks and analyzes issues identified as key barriers to affordability across 58 countries. Our analysis aims to understand why some countries have made progress on making internet access more affordable and to distill specific steps other countries should prioritize to catch up.
The take-away? There’s a clear way forward to correct government inaction and stalled progress. Public access solutions are critical to connecting communities least likely to afford internet, such as women, low-income people, and rural populations. In addition to prioritising these services, governments must adopt smart policies that encourage open and competitive markets and are grounded in the “1 for 2” target (1 GB of mobile data for 2% or less of average monthly income) in order to make internet truly affordable for all.

  *   Learn more on the A4AI blog: Key Recommendations from the 2017 Affordability Report.<http://a4ai.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=140b64295484059aa7f2d5fc9&id=3e9912048f&e=6ca4eecdac>
  *   Read the Executive Summary in: Espagnol<http://a4ai.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=140b64295484059aa7f2d5fc9&id=6ab8a7aa18&e=6ca4eecdac>, Français<http://a4ai.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=140b64295484059aa7f2d5fc9&id=9340e15a4a&e=6ca4eecdac>, Português.<http://a4ai.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=140b64295484059aa7f2d5fc9&id=a711c9bae5&e=6ca4eecdac>
  *   View select coverage: Quartz<http://a4ai.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=140b64295484059aa7f2d5fc9&id=9e6b5a9f64&e=6ca4eecdac>, Finance Colombia<http://a4ai.us3.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=140b64295484059aa7f2d5fc9&id=42156c933b&e=6ca4eecdac>, Tech City Nigeria<http://a4ai.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=140b64295484059aa7f2d5fc9&id=450de39f81&e=6ca4eecdac>, ITWeb Africa<http://a4ai.us3.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=140b64295484059aa7f2d5fc9&id=f96790004b&e=6ca4eecdac>, Daily Times Malawi<http://a4ai.us3.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=140b64295484059aa7f2d5fc9&id=4a6b278e44&e=6ca4eecdac>
We will continue to share the findings and policy asks with policymakers and other key stakeholders in the coming months. In addition to the signature global report, we also produced regional and country-specific briefs to support targeted outreach in A4AI member countries and priority regions — look at for more of these briefs to be published in the coming weeks and presented at coalition meetings!

  *   Africa Regional Snapshot: English<http://a4ai.us3.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=140b64295484059aa7f2d5fc9&id=8d94128f53&e=6ca4eecdac> | Portuguese<http://a4ai.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=140b64295484059aa7f2d5fc9&id=cf102a7426&e=6ca4eecdac>
  *   Ghana Report<http://a4ai.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=140b64295484059aa7f2d5fc9&id=023be4201b&e=6ca4eecdac>
  *   Mozambique Report: English<http://a4ai.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=140b64295484059aa7f2d5fc9&id=02d584c967&e=6ca4eecdac> | Portuguese<http://a4ai.us3.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=140b64295484059aa7f2d5fc9&id=c7824c4c7a&e=6ca4eecdac>

Explore 2017 Report<http://a4ai.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=140b64295484059aa7f2d5fc9&id=68842f4064&e=6ca4eecdac>

MEMBERSHIP

Benefits of Universal Access in Portuguese-Speaking Countries

A4AI member Vieira de Almeida (VdA)<http://a4ai.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=140b64295484059aa7f2d5fc9&id=600a6f19b6&e=6ca4eecdac> released new research on universal service in Portuguese-speaking countries and in Macau, China. The report, commissioned by ITU-ARCTEL, advocates for the need to rethink the provision of universal service — to make its goals more ambitious, align with 21st century dynamics and challenges in the telecoms and ICT services sectors, ensure greater convergence of services, networks, and content. While the study focuses on CPLP countries and Macau, it uncovers benefits from greater harmonisation in universal service that would apply to other regions and countries.
The study was led by Dr. Magda Coco, TMT partner at VdA, with participation from her colleagues Dr. Tiago Bessa and Nádia da Costa Ribeiro. Read more an English version of the report: Study on Universal Service of Telecommunications.<http://a4ai.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=140b64295484059aa7f2d5fc9&id=2eb8c71aca&e=6ca4eecdac>

INTERNATIONAL ADVOCACY

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A4AI team at 2017 Mobile World Congress.

Championing Collaboration at Mobile World Congress

The A4AI team — represented by Sonia Jorge, Karolle Rabarison, Eleanor Sarpong, and Dhanaraj Thakur — spent a productive week at Mobile World Congress to kickstart our ongoing advocacy on key recommendations from the 2017 Affordability Report<http://a4ai.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=140b64295484059aa7f2d5fc9&id=1f97040480&e=6ca4eecdac>.

Among the week’s highlights, A4AI Executive Director Sonia Jorge moderated a lively session on the mobile industry’s role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. The session introduced participants to promising case studies such as Juvo<http://a4ai.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=140b64295484059aa7f2d5fc9&id=5b37a03329&e=6ca4eecdac>’s partnership with mobile operators to enable financial inclusion and Lumos Global<http://a4ai.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=140b64295484059aa7f2d5fc9&id=76902badc9&e=6ca4eecdac>’s pay-as-you-go solar electricity with MTN Nigeria. As Karl Tortola of MTN Nigeria highlighted, the benefits for MNOs to engage in the SDGs are clear: on top of real social impact, there are both short- and long-term growth opportunities.<http://a4ai.us3.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=140b64295484059aa7f2d5fc9&id=e487e5aa6c&e=6ca4eecdac>
On March 1st, Sonia Jorge delivered the keynote for the Ministerial Programme’s summit on enabling smart communities. “Enabling isn’t just about access but also transformation,” she said. “A ‘smart community’ is one where people can make choices, as active users of technology shaping content and experience — and also a community where the technology responds to their needs.” Sonia pointed to collaboration as the way forward, highlighting public access as the key opportunity for government and business to work together.

This collaboration is already under way. Through multi-stakeholder coalitions, A4AI is supporting government in reshaping policy and regulatory environments<http://a4ai.us3.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=140b64295484059aa7f2d5fc9&id=3a617beb89&e=6ca4eecdac> to enable affordable access to a broadband connection. Our impact so far shows that this collaborative approach works — and we need more of it. Want to get involved? Learn about A4AI membership and contact karolle.rabarison at webfoundation.org<mailto:karolle.rabarison at webfoundation.org>.

COUNTRY ENGAGEMENT

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A4AI-Myanmar taxation group meets in Yangon, February 2017.

Tackling Tax Reform in Myanmar

The taxation working group members of the A4AI-Myanmar coalition gathered in February 2017 to review progress on their work plan. Regional Coordinator Shaddy Shadrach had met with U Than Htun, Director at the Post & Telecommunications Department (PTD), to discuss the group’s work and for guidance on the priority tax issues.
Coming out of the meetings, group members agreed on these priorities and action items:

  *   Fiscal map: Complete more polished version of fiscal map for publication. (Feb–March 2017)
  *   Tax policy recommendations: Develop recommendations for tax policy on the import and sales of handsets, with two aims: (1) to reduce “gray market” of mobile handsets in Myanmar, possibly by addressing high taxation on the handsets, and (2) to increase tax revenue from handsets due to increased tax coverage despite lower tax per device. (April–Sept 2017)
  *   Research recommendations: Investigate impact of revoking 5% service tax on telecom end users, and produce recommendations on whether to maintain or revoke. (Sept–Dec 2017).
The two briefing notes with recommendations will form part of a white paper that A4AI will deliver to the leadership of the PTD and Ministry of Transport and Communications.
The group also discussed potential dates for the next coalition-wide meeting and will coordinate with other working groups to confirm. Please stay tuned for an update and invitation to the A4AI-Myanmar coalition meeting.

TEAM UPDATE

Eleanor Sarpong Is Our New Deputy Director!
A4AI announced Eleanor Sarpong’s promotion as Deputy Director, Policy Lead. Eleanor previously served as A4AI’s Policy Advocacy Manager, charged with managing country engagements across all regions. In this new role, she will work closely with A4AI Executive Director Sonia Jorge to continue managing the national coalitions as well as lead our international advocacy efforts. Read more on the A4AI blog<http://a4ai.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=140b64295484059aa7f2d5fc9&id=1c0cb697a3&e=6ca4eecdac> and share your congrats on social @EllaSarpong<http://a4ai.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=140b64295484059aa7f2d5fc9&id=4ad5928455&e=6ca4eecdac>.

Welcome to the team, Mara Silvestri!
We are excited to have Mara Silvestri on board as a Communications Officer. Mara previously served as the Digital Communications Manager at One Young World and as a human rights analyst in Blantyre, Malawi at the country’s daily newspaper. She is based in London and supports the team on communications for A4AI, WRO, and broader digital inclusion efforts. Say hello on Twitter @Mara_A_S.<http://a4ai.us3.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=140b64295484059aa7f2d5fc9&id=ec8ed83083&e=6ca4eecdac>

UPCOMING EVENTS

Apr 6 | A4AI-Mozambique Coalition Meeting<http://a4ai.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=140b64295484059aa7f2d5fc9&id=61eb3a5ceb&e=6ca4eecdac>
Maputo, Mozambique

Apr 13 | A4AI Advisory Council Q2 Meeting
Remote

Apr 24-25 | Global Connect Meetings
Washington, DC
*A4AI team participating

Apr 25 | A4AI-Nigeria Coalition Meeting<http://a4ai.us3.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=140b64295484059aa7f2d5fc9&id=5878e88295&e=6ca4eecdac>
Lagos, Nigeria
*Day 0 of Internet Freedom Forum, please register in advance<http://a4ai.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=140b64295484059aa7f2d5fc9&id=9b34e259fa&e=6ca4eecdac>

Apr 26-27 | Internet Freedom Forum<http://a4ai.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=140b64295484059aa7f2d5fc9&id=95e0afbfef&e=6ca4eecdac>
Lagos, Nigeria
* Team organising panel on gender and digital rights, April 27th

May 3-5 | World Economic Forum on Africa
Durban, South Africa

May 10-11 | Transform Africa Summit
Kigali, Rwanda

May 15-18 | Stockholm Internet Forum<http://a4ai.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=140b64295484059aa7f2d5fc9&id=2d8db411dc&e=6ca4eecdac>
Stockholm, Sweden

Thank you for reading! As always, we welcome your feedback and suggestions. A4AI members that would like their updates featured in the newsletter may send their inputs to karolle.rabarison at webfoundation.org<mailto:karolle.rabarison at webfoundation.org>.

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About A4AI

The Alliance for Affordable Internet (A4AI) is a global coalition of public sector, private sector, and civil society organisations working to advance the shared mission of affordable access to mobile and fixed-line Internet for all.

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