October 06 Tuesday 16:30 – 18:00 Session DEV.1 Room G Rethinking rural access: the microtelecom business With established markets in developed countries reaching maturity or saturation, telecom operators are turning to the largest remaining untapped pool of potential customers – the rural residents of the world’s emerging economies. The term “microtelecom” is used to describe the optimization of telecom infrastructures and business models for the “bottom of the pyramid” low-income communities, often in rural areas. However, bringing access to regions with unstable power supplies and low-income subscribers requires fresh thinking on which technologies should be used and the business case for growth. This Session considers growth projections for ICT access in low-income markets, the technological and business challenges posed by these markets, and some innovative approaches being adopted by both established and new players. KEY QUESTIONS: – What are the hidden challenges and opportunities for telcos? – What are the new business models that will help make ICT access affordable for customers at the bottom of the pyramid? Do these customers have special requirements? How can financing models be adapted to take into account uncertain, varied and seasonal incomes? Can other equipment manufacturers and vendors hope to replicate or piggyback on the recognized success of mobile telephony in extending more affordable access to ICTs for the masses? Moderator Mr Bill Kerr-Smith, Principal Industry Specialist, Global Information and Communication Technologies, The World Bank – International Finance Corporation (IFC CITTM) (World Bank) Panellists Her Excellency Ms Khédija Ghariani, Secretary-General, Arab Information and Communication Technologies Organization (AICTO) (Tunisia) 72