5G and millimeter-wave broadband internet costing in unequal markets

Historically, the pricing of critical services and products required some forms of financial intervention in order to effect distribution to entire populations. In emerging markets, the complexity and challenges of distributing critical products and services in significantly unequal markets are much higher. Governments have been forced to innovate policies and strategies to achieve successful distribution of products and services to poor households and rural areas. This chapter reviews such policies in various market sectors. The sectors are specifically chosen as capital-intensive, critical services, since broadband internet, in line with the fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0), is fast becoming critical to bridge the digital divide and boost economic growth in emerging markets. The underlying focus is on fifth-generation (5G) and millimeter-wave technologies, emerging technologies that could have a major impact on unserved markets.