If the policy & regulatory environment is supportive, rural areas – normally wrongly perceived as needing cross-subsidisation from the urban areas – can be made commercially viable and attractive for operators and investors.

In this way, countries in the process or intending to liberalise their telecommunications sector can confront the challenge to attract new operators and service providers to expand into the rural areas.

Intelecon has studied the policy & regulatory regime in over 50 countries. We have identified the key issues and obstacles which need to be addressed in order to create a favourable environment for network & service expansion. We have developed a "policy toolkit" with which we have assisted several governments & regulators to develop a successful policy for the rural market.

Intelecon’s services to assist governments & regulators comprise the following:

• telecom sector reform
• policy & regulatory advice for rural development
• economic analysis
• technology solutions for rural network development
• financial/funding solutions for rural development

In these areas our expertise includes:

• demand & affordability
• advice on liberalisation and privatisation
• universal service/ access
• rural development funds
• licensing
• interconnection
• tariffs
• other regulatory matters

To stay up-to-date on the regulatory issues impacting emerging markets and developing countries, visit Intelecon’s Regulatory News.