OpenSpace Workshops 69 OpenSpace Workshop The Big Question: how can Universal Service Funds (USFs) be unlocked to drive broadband access in developing countries? Many studies show how broadband access positively affects economic growth, jobs, health care, and education. Broadband increases access to information, promotes gender equality, and spurs national competitiveness. However, broadband availability and adoption is lagging behind in many developing countries and for many marginalized populations. USFs are critical if the under-served are to be connected, yet many nations do not have USFs, or could be using these collective funds more effectively. Countries such as Pakistan, Malaysia and Turkey lead the way in having found ways to use USFs to enable high-impact, competitively neutral, sustainable programs. This workshop invites USF policy makers and fund managers to join industry leaders in discussing best practices for the optimization of USF funds. Participants will leave the workshop with a clearer understanding both of current best practices and of how USFs can be applied for maximum social and economic benefit. Thursday 27.10.2011 09:00-10:30 WorkSpace #1 Unlocking Universal Service Funds This is a facilitated, delegate-driven meeting in a fully open format that generates collaboration and creativity. Participants themselves create the agenda, pose questions, raise the topics they think are important, join the breakout sessions they are most interested in, and co-create the conversation. Wednesday 26.10.2011 14:00-15:30 OpenSpace Open Format Session #3 OpenSpace Workshop