International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Telecom Infra Project (TIP), recently announced a new partnership that aims to accelerate the deployment of new and more cost effective cellular networks, particularly in areas of the world that are underserved or unconnected.
While connectivity has already reshaped the lives of those living in developed countries, the infrastructure that underpins it needs to be made available globally so that more people can get connected to digital services.
The TIP community and IFC are coming together to accelerate the deployment of Network as a Service (NaaS) solutions that leverage innovative technologies and business models, shared active and passive infrastructure and lower costs to help close the digital divide, especially in emerging markets. TIP will work closely with IFC to ensure financial, environmental, and social sustainability take a central role in the deployment of digital infrastructure. IFC will make available its structuring capabilities and experience in investing in such sectors in emerging markets to participants of the TIP NaaS Solutions Group.
TIP and IFC are also encouraging other funding organizations to join in their effort to help close the digital divide through innovative business models delivering scalable, high-quality cellular connectivity to those who currently do not have it.
German Cufre, Global Manager for Telecom, Media and Technology Investments at IFC
IFC welcomes the partnership with TIP to work together on developing and funding practical solutions that enable further connectivity in emerging markets. Innovation is necessary to lower the breakeven point in network deployment, increase affordability and narrow the digital divide and NaaS can play an important role in this regard.
Attilio Zani, Executive Director of the Telecom Infra Project
For NaaS in particular, IFC and TIP will develop new approaches for the investment community to help them tap into the large addressable market created by the adoption of the NaaS business model.
