Global Economic Model and Study (GEMS) Tool
Global Economic Model and Study (GEMS) Tool for Digital Infrastructure Deployment
GEMS Tool is an ITU initiative developed through a landmark partnership with the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. GEMS provides an evidence-based economic engine for digital strategy, supporting countries in closing the digital divide by turning aspirational targets into financially viable investment plans for universal, meaningful connectivity. Built on leading ITU econometric methodology, GEMS serves as a strategic “diplomatic strategic enabler tool” for investment decisions and digital policy dialogue. It empowers governments, regulators, private sector, and industry partners to drive inclusive digital development through cross-sectoral co-investment. Access credentials for the GEMS Tool will be made available to ITU Membership on 15 July 2026. Watch the video
The GEMS Value proposition
GEMS (Global Economic Model and Study) Tool is a collaborative framework designed to tackle the economic and financial hurdles in deploying telecommunication/ICT infrastructure, especially in rural and remote areas. The GEMS Tool report introduces both a comprehensive methodological framework and the analytical econometric tool designed to support policymakers, regulators, operators, and industry stakeholders. The report serves as a contribution to ongoing global efforts, but also as a practical instrument to support country-level action.Positioned as a whole-diplomatic strategic enabler, GEMS supports fiscal planning, cross-sector coordination, and engagement with Multilateral Development Banks and partners. The economic tool delivers country and region- specific outputs, estimating investment requirements and the expected private and social returns from digital infrastructure, while modelling how regulatory reforms, funding mechanisms, and cross-sectoral spillovers can reduce the investment burden. Download the GEMS Publication
How it works
GEMS delivers a clear, evidence-based framework to identify what is needed to expand broadband sustainably, especially in remote and underserved areas. Operating as a dynamic “policy sandbox,” GEMS allows users to simulate specific network deployments (Fiber, 4G, 5G, or LEO Satellite) and instantly see the financial outcomes. Users can adjust regulatory variables, such as infrastructure sharing or spectrum trading, and apply targeted demand-side subsidies to see how these interventions lower costs and transform negative private returns into commercially viable business cases.What GEMS measures:
– Economic Return on Investment (ROI): Calculates the exact financial gap and profitability for investors.
– The Digital Dividend: Projects the national GDP growth generated by digital and the socio-economic impact.
– Cross-Sector spillovers: Monetizes financial benefits for non-telecom sectors (e.g.: Health, Education, Logistics) to justify co-investment.
Access credentials for the GEMS Tool will be made available to ITU Membership on 15 July 2026.
