All research

The digital needs of industry, businesses and consumers have a clear impact on spectrum management considerations. To assist policymakers in their decision-making for the evolution of mobile spectrum, including the 6 GHz band, this report provides new evidence on data traffic growth, the utilisation of mobile and Wi-Fi in different scenarios and frequency bands, and how efficiently mobile and Wi-Fi technologies are currently utilising their existing spectrum.

To achieve digital inclusion and transformation targets in the Caribbean islands, it is crucial to understand how 4G and 5G connectivity gaps will evolve in the period to 2030 under prevailing market conditions. For this, we quantify the additional investment required to bridge mobile coverage and usage gaps in the Caribbean islands by 2030.

This report assesses the impact of mobile money interoperability by considering the economic literature on interoperability more generally and utilising a case study approach in five mobile money countries: Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda and Tanzania. In each market, we assess how mobile money adoption and usage evolved after different interoperability solutions took effect.

Assigning radio spectrum to those who can make the most efficient use of it is crucial to maximise the socioeconomic benefits derived from digital services and infrastructure. In Latin America, mobile connectivity remains the foremost form of internet connectivity, particularly because for many it is the only form of connectivity. However, to provide mobile internet services, operators need access to spectrum licences.

In 2020, Ethiopia allowed non-banks to provide mobile money services - a key step in advancing financial inclusion and driving growth. This study looks at the rapidly evolving mobile money ecosystem, and opportunities to boost adoption and usage.

Between 2014 and 2021, the number of people in Latin America with mobile internet access nearly doubled. Despite this spectacular growth, 230 million people remain without access to mobile internet. This report examines the limitations of the current design of universal service funds (USFs) and proposes reforms and alternative options to expand 4G connectivity levels by 2030.