Financing broadband networks of the future
Ubiquitous access to high-quality broadband connectivity is crucial for digital transformation,
economic growth, and productivity. The challenge lies in ensuring sustained long-term
investments in broadband infrastructure. This report examines the diversity of actors
in the financial landscape of connectivity infrastructure, highlighting trends in
broadband network financing and future implications. It focuses on five important
groups that invest in and provide funding for broadband infrastructure: communication
operators, tower companies, big technology companies, financial asset managers, and
the public sector. Communication operators saw revenue growth from 2008 to 2022, but
their investment decisions going forward will depend on future returns and interest
rates. Meanwhile, tower companies, big technology companies, and financial asset managers
are reshaping the connectivity landscape. Finally, the report looks at the public
sector, which plays an important role in enabling investments in communication infrastructure.
Published on June 20, 2024
In series:OECD Digital Economy Papersview more titles