ITU Telecom World 2009 In Review 2009 Geneva 5-9 October ICT.4 : BROADBAND FOR ALL If ICT and broadband are essential infrastructures along with energy and trans-portation, it is not enough that ICT and broadband be available to only a por-tion of society. Rather, it is critical that they be available to all segments of society in order for all individuals, and society as a whole, to benefit from the transformative nature of ICT. This session examined various programs utilized in different countries to extend ICT and broadband to all. Key questions addressed included: –– Reconciling mobile broadband with universal service in an NGN world –– What is the appropriate balance between markets and government to achieve universal access? –– What are different USO models developed in different countries? –– Which have been more/less successful in achieving their goals? –– What are some innovative USO programs around the world? –– What are the relationships between driving supply and creating demand? –– Why have USO funds been so difficult to spend in some countries? Summary of moderator’s opening comments Broadband for all is a key topic, not only because of its significance for the fu-ture development of the human society. ICT and broadband, along with energy and transportation are undoubtedly the essential infrastructures that have to be available for all segments of the society. Summary of the opening statements Is this rather ambitious goal, broadband for all – universal service obligation desirable and achievable? A recent OECD study shows that increased broadband penetration will boost GDP growth, providing more money for the economy and generating more money for investment. There is clearly a very strong correlation between the growth of GDP and telephony and broadband penetration. But broadband for all has a different connotation: it is not just connection for people and not only 78 Forum Summary Report