I would have said a couple of years ago that such an approach was unlikely. But given all that Google is already spending to develop networks and mobile devices, I'm not so sure now...
DivideIf the content makers, like Google, FB, Netflix, and simular others pay for some of the cost of building telecom networks, by paying transit fees, then the ultimate consuming public in the world can see cell towers built or fiber run to their homes.
Another solutionIt's worth noting that one solution already pretty widely deployed in emerging markets is to use DPI and policy tools to restrict the applications that customers can access, at a reduced rate, or provide them "free". Ironically, one of the most successful plans restricts users to just using a social networking site-- like Facebook. Google FreeZone is another.
Re: divideOn the other side, if you go to Peru or other parts of South America people are trying to pay less than $10 a month for service and $20 to $50 for a handset. That IS market rates for them, that's what they can afford.
Needs a planHope this is more successful than Zuckerberg's last attempt at civics, fwd.us.
He's signed up the right companies but hard to see what they're going to do as a group that they're not already doing. They already heavily invested in developing markets.
Re: divideI kind of look at the cost of signing up for a mobile wireless connection as akin to buying a car and becoming ready to deal with buying gasoline, insurance, maintence, registration, etc. The operators ultimately are going to charge market rates, the laws of supply and demand kick in, along with the fact there is only so much oil in the world, or should I say spectrum available in the world. Anyway, I favor this initiative, but for the moment it seems more like a political campaign so that after the election happens, reality check kicks in and politicians hope to get 50% of what they promised.
Re: divideHopefully, they will also have some interest in deploying new networks, with low cost infrastructure. No matter how small you make the need, you need conectivity.
I would have said a couple of years ago that such an approach was unlikely. But given all that Google is already spending to develop networks and mobile devices, I'm not so sure now...