Page 25 - Measuring digital development The affordability of ICT services 2024

The affordability of ICT services

In addition to the recurrent monthly charges, Figure 15: Distribution of countries by
new subscribers to a fixed-broadband one-time connection charges for fixed
connection also face a one-time connection broadband as a percentage of recurrent
charge. This can include the cost of delivery, monthly charges, 2024
installation and/or equipment (e.g. modem,
router or optical network terminal). In many
cases, some or all of these charges are waived 64
as part of a promotion or amortized over
longer commitment periods, but can also be
retained as hidden fees locking in consumers
for years. However, since ITU methodology 36
requires collecting non-promotional prices, it
is possible to assess the levels of these charges. 21
In 2024, the connection charges represented 4 8 15 15 8 13
an additional two-thirds of a month’s charge,
but the costs differred significantly by country
and amounted to over a month’s charge in 72 No charge ≤1 week 1—2 weeks 2—3 weeks 3—4 weeks 1—2 months 2—3 months 3—4 months >4 months
economies. In 21 economies, they amounted
to more than three months’ charge (Figure
15). These high connection charges represent
a significant deterent to fixed-broadband Note: Non-promotional connection charges are
adoption. expressed as a percentage of the recurrent monthly
subscription fees� The chart shows the number of
countries within each range�
Source: ITU

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