Affordable, reliable, and high-speed connectivity is essential for access to health, education, government services, and economic opportunities. Yet, millions remain unconnected due to infrastructure gaps, high costs, and policy challenges. Closing the connectivity gap requires strategic planning, innovative solutions, and sustainable investments in ICT networks and services.
Last Mile Connectivity Solutions Guide: Practical Strategies for Sustainable Expansion
The
ITU Last Mile Connectivity Solutions Guide provides a comprehensive framework for identifying unconnected areas and selecting sustainable technical, financial, and regulatory solutions. This guide is designed to accelerate action in addressing last-mile connectivity gaps by offering:
Technical solutions – Evaluating broadband technologies (fiber, satellite, mobile networks, and more).
Financial models – Exploring investment strategies, public-private partnerships, and affordability measures.
Regulatory policies – Encouraging innovative spectrum allocation and community-driven networks.
To further support decision-makers, the ITU is developing interactive connectivity planning toolkits to help stakeholders select the most appropriate and affordable broadband technologies based on local needs. These tools will provide:
- Technology recommendations for extending ICT connectivity.
- Commercial sustainability assessments to ensure long-term viability of connectivity solutions.
By combining open-source data, policy insights, and technical expertise, the ITU is supports governments and stakeholders to bridge the digital divide and drive inclusive, sustainable connectivity solutions worldwide.
