Outputs
1) Research Work
<Research and Analysis of Broadband Status in All APEC Economies through Desk Research >
Desk research is undertaken across all APEC economies to access the current state of broadband infrastructure, policies (including goals, plans, initiatives, budgets, governance structures, legal frameworks, financial system, etc.), business aspects (such as monthly/annual sales for broadband services, subscription fees, service tiers, most popular broadband offerings, and future strategies), and social indicators(broadband and PC penetration rates, education levels, ICT adaptability, ICT literacy, average income, preference in broadband services, etc.).
A key aspect of this research is to broaden the scope beyond merely examining broadband-related policies and technologies to also include a thorough analysis of each economy’s social framework. This comprehensive approach is crucial for understanding the extent to which each economy is equipped to integrate and leverage broadband technology effectively.
<Develop Sustainable Broadband Strategies for Underserved Areas in APEC Economies>
This study begins with desk research to identify regions within each APEC economy that are underserved by broadband services. It then categorizes these regions into specific types such as mountainous areas, remote islands, and rural areas, mapping each type across the APEC economies. The accuracy of these findings will be further validated through a comprehensive survey targeting all APEC economies.
2) Workshop for Building Consensus and Sharing Knowledge on Broadband in Underdeveloped Areas
a. The Capacity Building Workshop will be held in Seoul, Republic of Korea, and the event will be structured with capacity building, project outcome reporting, and field visits, spanning a total of three day;
b. For those who are not able to participate in the workshop in Seoul, the workshop will be video recorded for sharing the results of the workshop; and
c. The draft program agenda is as follows:
Day 1
- Opening Ceremony (TBC)9:00~10:00
- Broadband Network Trends (TBC)10:00~10:40
- Korean Broadband Policy and Service (TBC)11:00~11:40
- [Panel Discussion] Bridging the Digital Divide: Strategies for Enhancing Broadband
Connectivity in Underserved Regions. (TBC)12:00~12:30
- Lunch12:30~14:00
- Broadband Network in APEC. (1 representative from each APEC economy)
* Note: Each participating APEC economy will present for 5 minutes to share their
domestic broadband network14:00~15:00
- Issue discussion (All participating APEC economies)15:20~16:00
Day 2
- Project overview (TBC)9:00~9:20
- Analysis of Broadband Status by Economy/Type (TBC)9:40~10:50
- Analysis of Best Practices in Broadband Networks (TBC)11:00~12:00
- Lunch12:00~13:30
- Sharing of Customized Broadband Technology-Policy-Service Models by Economy/Type (TBC)13:30~14:30
- Empowering Women in Broadband: Strategies and Best Practices for Inclusive Participation (TBC)14:30~15:30
- Result Discussion (All Participants)15:30~16:00
- Closing Ceremony (TBC)16:10~16:30
Day 3
- [Field Visit 1] Korea Telecom10:00~11:30
- Lunch12:00~13:00
- [Field Visit 2] SK Broadband13:30~15:00
Insight Sharing Workshop and Satisfaction Survey15:00~16:00
The analysis primarily focuses on successful cases from various economies, including Korea, which have effectively transformed their broadband underserved areas into well-connected regions. This will involve an in-depth look at factors such as demographics, social characteristics, policy environments, relevant initiatives, and business aspects specific to these regions.
Building on the desk research that identified broadband underserved areas within each APEC economy, and the analysis of successful transformations in regions including Korea, this study will develop sustainable strategies tailored to the specific characteristics of each type of underserved area.
These strategies will leverage insights gained from both the identification process and the successful cases to propose comprehensive and targeted interventions. The aim is to create tailored approaches that address the unique challenges and opportunities in mountainous regions, remote islands, and rural areas, facilitating their development into well-connected broadband regions.
※Methodological Approach
This research methodology involves conducting case analyses and surveys to identify successful cases of broadband activation in underserved areas across APEC economies, comparing and analyzing these cases alongside survey findings to formulate tailored broadband activation strategies, and refining these strategies through stakeholder feedback. The study identifies broadband underserved areas in APEC economies through desk research, analyzes the reasons for their underserved status from various perspectives, and typifies underserved areas in APEC economies based on their similarities. Building on these typologies, it analyzes successful cases of activating underserved areas by type. It then compares and analyzes the results of underserved area typology analysis and successful case analysis across APEC economies to formulate broadband activation strategies tailored to each typology of underserved areas. Finally, these formulated strategies are refined through surveys targeting APEC economies.
3) Final Report
The Final Report, including the key takeaways from the workshop, will be completed and circulated across APEC economies for endorsement.
a.Methodological Approach
This research methodology involves conducting case analyses and surveys to identify successful cases of broadband activation in underserved areas across APEC economies, comparing and analyzing these cases alongside survey findings to formulate tailored broadband activation strategies, and refining these strategies through stakeholder feedback. The study identifies broadband underserved areas in APEC economies through desk research, analyzes the reasons for their underserved status from various perspectives, and typifies underserved areas in APEC economies based on their similarities. Building on these typologies, it analyzes successful cases of activating underserved areas by type. It then compares and analyzes the results of underserved area typology analysis and successful case analysis across APEC economies to formulate broadband activation strategies tailored to each typology of underserved areas. Finally, these formulated strategies are refined through surveys targeting APEC economies.
b. Key takeaways
The key takeaways of this study are summarized into six points. First, through case analyses and surveys, successful cases of broadband activation in underserved areas across APEC economies are identified, providing valuable insights into effective strategies and approaches. Second, by comparing and analyzing these cases alongside survey findings, tailored broadband activation strategies are formulated, considering the specific characteristics and needs of different types of underserved areas within APEC economies. Third, the study contributes to the typification of underserved areas in APEC economies based on their similarities, facilitating a more nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities for broadband activation. Fourth, by comparing the results of the analysis and successful case analysis across APEC economies, common patterns, and unique factors influencing broadband activation are identified, informing the development of effective strategies. Fifth, the formulated strategies are refined through stakeholder feedback, ensuring that they are relevant, feasible, and responsive to the needs of APEC economies and their underserved areas. Sixth, by participating in a workshop where the findings of this research are shared and the status and challenges of their respective broadband underserved areas are discussed, it is anticipated that contributions will be made to the vitalization of broadband in underserved areas across all APEC economies.
c. Contents
0. summary
1. Introduction
1.1. Methodological approach
2. Analysis on Broadband Status in APEC economies
2.1. Infrastructure (including Technology)
2.2. Policy
2.3. Business
2.4. Society
3. Analysis on Broadband status in APEC Economies’ Underserved Areas
3.1. Status of Underserved Areas by APEC Economy
3.2. Analysis of Underserved Areas by APEC Economy
3.2.1. Demographics
3.2.2. Policy and Initiatives
3.2.3. Society
3.2.4. Business
3.3. Analysis on Success Cases of Broadband Vitalization of Underserved Areas in APEC economies
3.3.1. Mountainous Regions
3.3.2. Remote Islands
3.3.3. Rural Areas
3.3.4. (and more if necessary)
3.4. Diagnostic Framework of Broadband Underserved Areas
3.4.1. Mountainous Regions
3.4.2. Remote Islands
3.4.3. Rural Areas
3.4.4. (and more if necessary)
4. Proposal for Broadband Vitalization by Type of Broadband Underserved Areas
4.1. Mountainous Regions
4.2. Remote Islands
4.3. Rural Areas
4.4 (and more if necessary)
5. Conclusion Appendices
Appendix A. Survey Data and Responses Appendix B. Case Study Document
Appendix C. Workshop Materials and key Takeaways Appendix D. (and more if necessary)
Outcomes
1) Success Case Studies: Investigate and analyze concrete examples where internet use has led to transformative changes in different type of underserved areas. This approach not only provides theoretical insights but also enhances understanding through real-world applications.
2) Policy Suggestions and Collaboration Models: Include policy suggestions that facilitate the construction of sustainable digital infrastructures through collaboration between governments, local communities, and the private sector.
Beneficiaries
The output from this project bridges the digital divide and supports sustainable economic growth through the realization of universal accessibility to underdeveloped areas within APEC member economies. Potential beneficiaries of the outcome of the project include:
1) Primary beneficiaries: Government officials such as policymakers from the Ministry of Information Technology and communications, Directors of Digital Infrastructure, heads of Rural Development Programs, etc.
- This study enables these officials to have the tools, connections, and knowledge they need to effectively drive and innovate broadband service expansion in their region, and their ability to drive meaningful changes in digital infrastructure development.
2) Secondary beneficiaries: Local Communities, SMEs, Public sector entities
- Enhanced broadband connectivity fosters socio-economic development, improved public services, and digital inclusivity across all sectors.