Brief substantive summary of the workshop and presentation of the main issues that were raised during the discussions

The workshop focused on allowing each panelist to share their experiences, good practices (or those to avoid) and suggested policy recommendations to address current challenges for expanding Internet access in their countries and regions.

Much of the discussion centered on the role of government in regulating telecommunications policy -- what could governments do to encourage affordable access and what challenges are present for private sector and civil society when it comes to working with governments?

Examples were shared from the panelists' experience in Asia, Africa and Latin America. All agreed that public-private partnerships were key in expanding access and several examples were discussed including A4AI's work in Mozambique and Google's Project Link in Uganda.

Conclusions drawn from the workshop and possible follow up actions

1. National broadband plans and strategies are critical for the expansion of broadband access.
2. Corruption is often a factor in the telecoms sectors of many countries and can hinder progress.
3. Political champions that supports reform is key to getting the right policies and regulations in place.

Estimation of the overall number of participants present at the workshop

30

Estimation of the overall number of women present at the workshop

about half of the participants were women

Extent to that the workshop discuss gender equality and/or women’s empowerment

it was mentioned briefly in the presentations and discussions

A brief summary of the discussions in case that the workshop addressed issues related to gender equality and/or women’s empowerment

No information provided

Reported by

Emilie Yam