Sustainable Business Models for Connectivity

The project investigates business models for financially sustainable internet provision in underserved communities, where market-led investment falls short and connectivity often depends on subsidies, public-private collaboration, or donor funding. Combining stakeholder interviews with longitudinal connectivity data, it identifies the conditions that allow digital inclusion efforts to endure beyond initial funding. 

Where market demand cannot attract private investment, efforts to bridge the digital divide rely on public or donor funding, yet often struggle to sustain impact once subsidies end. Rural connectivity remains commercially unattractive due to high costs, limited revenue, and power constraints. Prior research suggests that models must be adapted to local geography, affordability and usage, with financing and governance structures that reward continued service quality.