Innovative Business Models for Expanding Broadband and Closing the Access Gaps from edX

Recognizing that approximately half of the world’s population remains unconnected to the Internet and that the cost of Internet access remains higher than recommended guidelines in many countries. This digital divide and the factors that create or exacerbate it are driving policymakers to expand Internet access as a critical foundation for the digital economy, the focus of this course. Digital connectivity has also been at the forefront of the world’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic – providing means for people to communicate and share information as countries impose extreme social-distancing measures, enabling remote work by governments and businesses, and allowing citizens access to essential services such as telehealth, online education, and digital financial services.

What you'll learn

This course will:

Describe the importance of leveraging new business models for expanding Internet access, in particular with respect to bridging the digital divide.
Describe the broadband value chain.
Identify key broadband technology options.
Describe policy options available for encouraging broadband expansion.
Consider the appropriate role of the state in broadband projects.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Describe the importance of leveraging new business models for expanding internet access, in particular with respect to bridging the digital divide.
Describe the broadband value chain.
Identify key broadband technology options.

Describe policy options available for encouraging broadband expansion.
Consider the appropriate role of the state in broadband projects.

Describe the importance of leveraging new business models for expanding internet access, in particular with respect to bridging the digital divide.
Describe the broadband value chain.
Identify key broadband technology options.
Describe policy options available for encouraging broadband expansion.
Consider the appropriate role of the state in broadband projects.

Syllabus

Week 1: Broadband - The Digital Divide and Its Impact on Policy and Investment & Broadband Technologies and Spectrum __

In the week 1, we will deal with the context for innovative approaches to broadband, under the title "The digital divide and its impact on policy and investment & Broadband Technologies and Spectrum."

Week 2: Broadband Project Approaches & Maximizing Project Success __

In the week 2, we will deal with the context for innovative approaches to broadband, under the title "Broadband Project Approaches & Maximizing Project Success."

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Taught by the World Bank Group, a recognized organization in the field of digital connectivity and economic development

Examines the digital divide and its impact on policy and investment, providing insights into the challenges and opportunities in bridging the gap

Provides an overview of broadband technologies and spectrum, equipping learners with the technical knowledge necessary to understand the infrastructure of internet connectivity

Discusses various broadband project approaches and strategies for maximizing project success, offering practical guidance for implementing effective digital connectivity initiatives

Explores policy options available for encouraging broadband expansion, providing insights into the role of governments and regulatory frameworks in shaping internet access

Considers the appropriate role of the state in broadband projects, addressing the balance between public investment and private sector involvement in digital connectivity

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Innovative Business Models for Expanding Broadband and Closing the Access Gaps with these activities:

Review Basic Networking

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Get a headstart on the course by reviewing the basics of networking, including TCP/IP and network fundamentals.

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Read textbook sections on networking
Complete online tutorials on networking
Review notes from previous networking courses

Create an Infographic on Broadband Access

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Improve your understanding of broadband access and the digital divide by visually presenting key information in an infographic.

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Gather data on broadband access and the digital divide
Design an infographic that clearly presents the data
Share the infographic with classmates or a broader audience

Explore Broadband Technologies and Services

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Gain hands-on experience with different broadband technologies and services to understand their capabilities and limitations.

Browse courses on Internet Access

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Attend workshops or online tutorials on broadband technologies
Set up and test different broadband connections
Compare the performance and cost of different broadband services

Two other activities

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Practice Broadband Network Design Exercises

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Solving practice exercises will help you solidify your understanding of broadband network design principles and prepare you for real-world scenarios.

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Identify the requirements of the network.
Design the network topology.
Select the appropriate equipment.
Configure the network devices.
Test the network.

Develop a Broadband Expansion Plan

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Deepen your understanding of broadband expansion strategies by creating a comprehensive plan that addresses the specific needs of a community or region.

Browse courses on Digital Divide

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Research best practices and case studies
Identify stakeholders and engage them in the planning process
Develop a detailed plan that outlines the goals, objectives, and implementation strategies
Evaluate the feasibility and sustainability of the plan

Career center

Learners who complete Innovative Business Models for Expanding Broadband and Closing the Access Gaps will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Telecommunications Engineer

Telecommunications Engineers design, build, and maintain telecommunications networks. This course could help Telecommunications Engineers understand the latest technologies for broadband expansion and how to deploy these technologies in a cost-effective manner.

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Solutions Architect

Solutions Architects design and implement technology solutions for clients. This course could help Solutions Architects understand how to design and implement broadband networks that are affordable and accessible to all.

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Manager of Business Development

The Manager of Business Development is primarily responsible for developing and implementing strategies for the organization to find and secure new business partnerships. They are also responsible for growing revenue and enhancing the company’s offerings. With the knowledge gained from a course on innovative business models for expanding broadband and closing the access gap, the Manager of Business Development can learn to identify business models that are both feasible and sustainable.

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Director of Digital Strategy

A Director of Digital Strategy is responsible for developing and executing a company’s digital strategy, helping ensure that the organization meets business objectives. They lead the creation and implementation of strategies to improve the customer experience, drive revenue, and optimize operations. Understanding how to implement innovative business models for expanding broadband and closing the access gap would be useful to this professional, as the Director of Digital Strategy would be able to leverage these models to improve the user base.

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Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts research and analyze public policies, and make recommendations for changes. This course could help Policy Analysts understand the policy landscape around broadband expansion and the digital divide, and how to develop policies that promote equitable access to broadband.

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Consultant

Consultants provide expert advice and guidance to organizations on a variety of business issues. They work with clients to identify problems, develop solutions, and implement change, and a course on innovative business models for expanding broadband and closing the access gap could help them stay up-to-date on trends in this area.

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Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to help organizations make informed decisions. This course could help Data Analysts understand how to use data to evaluate the effectiveness of broadband expansion projects, particularly in relation to the digital divide.

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Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers develop and execute marketing campaigns that promote products or services. This course could help Marketing Managers understand how to reach new audiences through innovative marketing channels, especially in underserved communities.

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Venture Capitalist

Venture Capitalists invest in early-stage companies that have the potential for high growth. This course could help Venture Capitalists understand the investment landscape for broadband expansion and the digital divide, and how to identify and invest in companies that are working to close the gap.

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Regulatory Affairs Manager

Regulatory Affairs Managers ensure that their organizations comply with relevant laws and regulations. This course could be useful for Regulatory Affairs Managers who work in the telecommunications sector, as it could help them understand the regulatory landscape around broadband expansion and the digital divide.

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Sales Manager

Sales Managers lead sales teams and are responsible for achieving sales targets. This course could help Sales Managers understand how to sell broadband services to new and underserved markets.

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Project Manager

A Project Manager plans and executes projects from start to finish, ensuring that they are completed on time, within budget, and to the required specifications. This course could be useful for a Project Manager involved in overseeing the implementation of broadband expansion projects.

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Program Manager

Program Managers oversee the implementation of programs and initiatives. This course could help Program Managers understand how to develop and manage programs that aim to expand broadband access and close the digital divide.

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Web Developer

Web Developers design and develop websites and web applications. This course could help Web Developers understand how to develop websites and applications that are accessible to all, including people with disabilities and people in underserved communities.

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Chief Sustainability Officer

The Chief Sustainability Officer is responsible for directing a company or organization’s sustainability efforts. These professionals aim to improve a company’s social and environmental performance. As such, they need to stay abreast of how emerging technologies, such as Internet access, can propel these initiatives. A course on innovative business models for expanding broadband and closing the access gap could prove useful in this vein.

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