Latest news with #digitalinclusion
Zawya
3 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Mind the B-Gap: Telcos see a compelling case for digital inclusion powered by cloud technology
New research from CloudMosa shows digital inclusion is shifting from CSR to a core business strategy – and telcos stand to gain if they move quickly Majority (97%) of telco leaders say digital inclusion is now central to their business strategy, driven primarily by the need to bridge the digital divide (71%) With 92% of respondents seeing a strong alignment with government affordability initiatives as a key benefit of prioritizing digital inclusion Despite 2G network phaseouts progressing – with 62% of telcos completing the transition – 40% of Indian consumers still rely on 2G, exposing a critical gap in access 93% express confidence in cloud-powered solutions to help close the digital inclusion gap across high-growth markets HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire – 18 June 2025 - Millions of would-be customers remain offline across Asia's fastest-growing digital economies. This is not a lifestyle choice; it's because telcos are overlooking them — and a big growth opportunity in the process. In India, Vietnam, and the Philippines alone, over 600 million people still lack affordable access to the internet. CloudMosa, a leading cloud and mobile technology company, today released its inaugural B-Gap Barometer report, exploring the barriers keeping people offline in markets with network access as well as attitudes to potential solutions. Based on insights from senior telecommunication leaders across the digitally ascending markets of India, Vietnam, and the Philippines, the report maps telcos' 2G-to-4G migration, identifies persistent barriers to digital inclusion, and outlines how decision-makers are rethinking innovation and business strategies amid network transitions. The research also reveals the shift we're seeing in digital inclusion becoming a strategic business priority, underscoring affordable access as the next frontier for growth. "Telcos are racing to the future with 5G, but growth won't come from the top alone," said Shioupyn Shen, CEO of CloudMosa. "The real opportunity lies in those being left behind in the migration to 4G and beyond. This report is a call to action for industry leaders: those who move first to bridge the affordability gap will shape the next decade of the industry." Rising demands for affordable connectivity Telcos are now at a crossroads. According to the B-Gap Barometer, 62% of operators across India, Vietnam, and the Philippines have already completed their 2G shutdowns, and another 26% are prepared for migration. Yet, despite the rapid progress in network infrastructure to support 4G, large populations still rely heavily on 2G networks. This is particularly evident in India, where 40% reported that up to half their company's user base is still on 2G networks. Despite existing network coverage, many users remain offline because affordability still prevents underserved consumers from fully participating in the digital economy – a challenge CloudMosa has termed the "B-Gap". In the Philippines, 66% of telco leaders cite costly data plans as consumers' top barriers in transitioning to 4G and beyond. Vietnam and India follow closely, with 57% and 51% reflecting a similar sentiment. While more users are aiming to upgrade to smartphones – 73% in Vietnam and 62% in the Philippines – many still lean on feature phones given cost limitations. Seventy-five percent of Indian users still prefer traditional feature phones, driven by cost, simplicity, and reliability. While the rest of the world is rushing towards 5G, these users present the region's most overlooked commercial opportunity and telcos are uniquely positioned to move them up the value chain to ultimately close this gap. Doing so will unlock revenue, drive education, employment, economic mobility, and social inclusion. Why inclusion is now a business imperative As telcos continue to grapple with legacy network costs, stagnant average rate per user, or how to expand to underserved markets, digital inclusion is no longer a CSR initiative. It is becoming a critical commercial strategy to reach more users across digitally ascending markets. A staggering 97% of industry players across three markets pointed to digital inclusion as a central component of their business strategy, with the biggest driver being bridging the digital divide (71%), followed by aligning with CSR goals (56%). More than half (53%) see inclusion helping with market expansion, customer retention and loyalty. The benefits are multifaceted, but the bottom line is clear: digital inclusion is a business growth engine that telcos can't afford to ignore. Driving the future of inclusive connectivity While tech affordability has long been a challenge, key players are now presented with a solution in the form of cloud-based mobile devices to reach wider communities. Developed by CloudMosa, Cloud Phone is a breakthrough solution that transforms low-cost feature phones into modern, internet-capable devices. By shifting computing and data processing to the cloud, Cloud Phone delivers seamless online experiences that were previously out of reach for users on basic handsets. In fact, telco leaders feel positively about this technology in helping to bridge the gap for billions of people worldwide that still lack crucial access. Ninety-one percent believe this solution can help close the B-Gap, with another 90% interested in its potential to dramatically improve UX for low-income users. Eighty-five percent have even cited running premium applications on low-cost devices as an attractive feature. "We're not just bringing the internet to feature phones — we're unlocking opportunity for billions," Shen added. "What we've built with Cloud Phone introduces a new growth model for telecom carriers, phone manufacturers and content providers. We want to show the mobile ecosystem how doing good doesn't need to come at the expense of profitability. Telcos can still achieve commercial success while providing solutions that meet people where they are." What's next: The business playbook for telcos Traditionally viewed as low revenue customers, 2G feature phone users now represent a significant untapped opportunity. With cloud-based solutions reducing device and data costs, telcos can serve this segment profitably, offering app-based services on feature phones that operate like smartphones. Solutions such as Cloud Phone offer a high-margin innovation platform to tackle the challenges telcos are facing by unlocking new growth while enabling digital transformation and wider business goals. Along with the right partnerships and business models, telcos can transform inclusion into real impact. Download the B-Gap Barometer here: For more information on CloudMosa, click here for the full press kit. Hashtag: #CloudMosa The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About the B-Gap Barometer Report From March to April 2025, CloudMosa fielded an online survey in partnership with Rakuten Insights that garnered 465 respondents, both through qualitative interviews and quantitative survey. This report aims to shed light on telecommunication carriers' perceptions of the B-Gap — the affordability barrier keeping the last 2.7 million people offline. Respondent demographics include senior and mid-level telecommunications executives across India, Vietnam and the Philippines, including mobile network operators, and related businesses. Job titles include: Vice President, Senior Director, General Manager, Head of Department, Director and Manager. More on the report here. About CloudMosa CloudMosa is a pioneer in providing cloud computing and remote browser solutions for both the consumer and enterprise sectors. For over a decade, CloudMosa has developed products with unparalleled security, speed, and efficiency for its clients. With a suite of offerings powered by its flagship product, Puffin Cloud Avatar Technology, CloudMosa is committed to reshaping the digital landscape and empowering users for a faster, more secure mobile experience. To learn more about CloudMosa's cloud-powered solutions, visit CloudMosa
Malay Mail
3 days ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Mind the B-Gap: Telcos see a compelling case for digital inclusion powered by cloud technology
New research from CloudMosa shows digital inclusion is shifting from CSR to a core business strategy – and telcos stand to gain if they move quickly Majority (97%) of telco leaders say digital inclusion is now central to their business strategy, driven primarily by the need to bridge the digital divide (71%) With 92% of respondents seeing a strong alignment with government affordability initiatives as a key benefit of prioritizing digital inclusion Despite 2G network phaseouts progressing – with 62% of telcos completing the transition – 40% of Indian consumers still rely on 2G, exposing a critical gap in access 93% express confidence in cloud-powered solutions to help close the digital inclusion gap across high-growth markets HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire – 18 June 2025 -Millions of would-be customers remain offline across Asia's fastest-growing digital economies. This is not a lifestyle choice; it's because telcos are overlooking them — and a big growth opportunity in the process. In India, Vietnam, and the Philippines alone, over 600 million people still lack affordable access to the internet. CloudMosa, a leading cloud and mobile technology company, today released its inaugural B-Gap Barometer report, exploring the barriers keeping people offline in markets with network access as well as attitudes to potential on insights from senior telecommunication leaders across the digitally ascending markets of India, Vietnam, and the Philippines, the report maps telcos' 2G-to-4G migration, identifies persistent barriers to digital inclusion, and outlines how decision-makers are rethinking innovation and business strategies amid network transitions. The research also reveals the shift we're seeing in digital inclusion becoming a strategic business priority, underscoring affordable access as the next frontier for growth."Telcos are racing to the future with 5G, but growth won't come from the top alone," said. "The real opportunity lies in those being left behind in the migration to 4G and beyond. This report is a call to action for industry leaders: those who move first to bridge the affordability gap will shape the next decade of the industry."Telcos are now at a crossroads. According to the B-Gap Barometer, 62% of operators across India, Vietnam, and the Philippines have already completed their 2G shutdowns, and another 26% are prepared for migration. Yet, despite the rapid progress in network infrastructure to support 4G, large populations still rely heavily on 2G networks. This is particularly evident in India, where 40% reported that up to half their company's user base is still on 2G existing network coverage, many users remain offline because affordability still prevents underserved consumers from fully participating in the digital economy – a challenge CloudMosa has termed the "B-Gap".In the Philippines, 66% of telco leaders cite costly data plans as consumers' top barriers in transitioning to 4G and beyond. Vietnam and India follow closely, with 57% and 51% reflecting a similar sentiment. While more users are aiming to upgrade to smartphones – 73% in Vietnam and 62% in the Philippines – many still lean on feature phones given cost limitations. Seventy-five percent of Indian users still prefer traditional feature phones, driven by cost, simplicity, and the rest of the world is rushing towards 5G, these users present the region's most overlooked commercial opportunity and telcos are uniquely positioned to move them up the value chain to ultimately close this gap. Doing so will unlock revenue, drive education, employment, economic mobility, and social telcos continue to grapple with legacy network costs, stagnant average rate per user, or how to expand to underserved markets, digital inclusion is no longer a CSR initiative. It is becoming a critical commercial strategy to reach more users across digitally ascending markets.A staggering 97% of industry players across three markets pointed to digital inclusion as a central component of their business strategy, with the biggest driver being bridging the digital divide (71%), followed by aligning with CSR goals (56%). More than half (53%) see inclusion helping with market expansion, customer retention and loyalty. The benefits are multifaceted, but the bottom line is clear: digital inclusion is a business growth engine that telcos can't afford to tech affordability has long been a challenge, key players are now presented with a solution in the form of cloud-based mobile devices to reach wider communities. Developed by CloudMosa, Cloud Phone is a breakthrough solution that transforms low-cost feature phones into modern, internet-capable devices. By shifting computing and data processing to the cloud, Cloud Phone delivers seamless online experiences that were previously out of reach for users on basic fact, telco leaders feel positively about this technology in helping to bridge the gap for billions of people worldwide that still lack crucial access. Ninety-one percent believe this solution can help close the B-Gap, with another 90% interested in its potential to dramatically improve UX for low-income users. Eighty-five percent have even cited running premium applications on low-cost devices as an attractive feature."We're not just bringing the internet to feature phones — we're unlocking opportunity for billions,"added. "What we've built with Cloud Phone introduces a new growth model for telecom carriers, phone manufacturers and content providers. We want to show the mobile ecosystem how doing good doesn't need to come at the expense of profitability. Telcos can still achieve commercial success while providing solutions that meet people where they are."Traditionally viewed as low revenue customers, 2G feature phone users now represent a significant untapped opportunity. With cloud-based solutions reducing device and data costs, telcos can serve this segment profitably, offering app-based services on feature phones that operate like such as Cloud Phone offer a high-margin innovation platform to tackle the challenges telcos are facing by unlocking new growth while enabling digital transformation and wider business goals. Along with the right partnerships and business models, telcos can transform inclusion into real the B-Gap Barometer here: For more information on CloudMosa, click here for the full press #CloudMosa The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About the B-Gap Barometer Report From March to April 2025, CloudMosa fielded an online survey in partnership with Rakuten Insights that garnered 465 respondents, both through qualitative interviews and quantitative survey. This report aims to shed light on telecommunication carriers' perceptions of the B-Gap — the affordability barrier keeping the last 2.7 million people offline. Respondent demographics include senior and mid-level telecommunications executives across India, Vietnam and the Philippines, including mobile network operators, and related businesses. Job titles include: Vice President, Senior Director, General Manager, Head of Department, Director and Manager. More on the report here About CloudMosa CloudMosa is a pioneer in providing cloud computing and remote browser solutions for both the consumer and enterprise sectors. For over a decade, CloudMosa has developed products with unparalleled security, speed, and efficiency for its clients. With a suite of offerings powered by its flagship product, Puffin Cloud Avatar Technology, CloudMosa is committed to reshaping the digital landscape and empowering users for a faster, more secure mobile experience. To learn more about CloudMosa's cloud-powered solutions, visit
Zawya
4 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
South Africa: Vodacom to invest $5.6mln in 106 new rural base stations across KZN
Vodacom will invest approximately R100m to build 106 new base station sites in deep rural areas of KwaZulu-Natal. This aims to connect hundreds of thousands of people who have been excluded from the digital age. The deployment will help bridge significant digital divides in remote KwaZulu-Natal and promote digital inclusion. The new sites will be rolled out across 11 district municipalities, including Amajuba, eThekwini, Harry Gwala, iLembe, King Cetshwayo, Ugu, Umgungundlovu, uMzinyathi, Uthukela, Zululand, uMhlabuyalingana, uMfolozi, uMlalazi, uMsinga, uMzumbe, uMgeni, Ray Nkonyeni, Mandeni, eNdumeni, eDumbe, Msunduzi, Newcastle and Nqutu. This forms part of Vodacom's Rural Coverage Acceleration Programme, aimed at expanding network coverage in deep rural South Africa, complementing previous efforts to improve infrastructure outside urban areas. GSMA research highlights that high-speed broadband availability is critical for rural development, yet many rural communities lag behind in connectivity. Roughly half the world's population, about 4 billion people, lack internet access and are excluded from its socio-economic benefits. Imran Khan, managing executive for Vodacom KwaZulu-Natal, said: "Ensuring network connectivity in deep rural areas is fundamental to Vodacom's commitment to connect everyone, whether in urban centres, townships or rural locations. We aim to remove barriers and empower rural and township communities to enjoy the same network experience as metropolitan areas, enabling them to benefit from the digital economy." Broadband penetration drives economic and social growth. A World Bank study shows that a 10 percentage point increase in fixed broadband penetration can increase GDP growth by 1.21% in developed economies and 1.38% in developing ones. Internet access will enable rural communities to utilise services such as e-health, e-education, and e-commerce. All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Arab News
5 days ago
- Business
- Arab News
Driving digital growth in MENAT: A reflection on the Stanford GSB case study, ‘Aleph: A Collaborative Advantage'
Stanford Graduate School of Business selects companies that redefine industries, scale sustainably, and set new benchmarks for success. Aleph was the subject of a recent study titled 'Aleph: A Collaborative Advantage,' which provided an in-depth exploration of how trust, innovation, and strategic execution built a company that is bridging the global digital divide. Digital advertising has often been defined by volume and scale, where the focus is on platform size and audience reach, however the Stanford GSB case study, 'Aleph: A Collaborative Advantage,' invites us to reconsider this approach, especially in emerging markets like the MENAT by considering the value of prioritizing the opportunities we unlock for businesses, creators, and communities across the world, which is at the core of Aleph's mission, and particularly relevant to the MENAT's dynamic landscape. This region, with its unique blend of tradition and rapid modernization, stands at the forefront of not only digital transformation but digital revolution. Aleph's approach, as detailed in the Stanford study, is not just about providing access; it's about building a sustainable ecosystem that fosters growth and innovation. In MENAT, we see firsthand the transformative power of digital inclusion, where businesses are not just adopting new technologies, but are reshaping their identities and creating new opportunities. Aleph has been present in the MENAT for more than 20 years (previously Connect Ads), pioneering the digital advertising industry in the region with a geofootprint covering 15 markets through eight strategically located offices spanning the region, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Arabian Gulf, and being part of this as Aleph's MD in MENAT, and I can speak on behalf of our entire MENAT teams of more than 180+ digital advertising experts, makes us proud — proud to be part of this great legacy, proud to play a role in empowering, advancing and developing our region and its great people. We see Stanford GSB case study, 'Aleph: A Collaborative Advantage' as a testament to the value we bring. To put it simply, it is a confirmation that we are definitely doing something meaningful here. Our journey continues and is defined by several key principles: decisive decision-making, unwavering persistence, a strong belief in our mission, and a clear vision for the future of digital growth in emerging markets. These principles are not just abstract concepts; they are the driving force behind our expansion, our partnerships, and our commitment to our clients across the MENAT. As the Stanford case study illustrates, our focus on education, financial solutions, and localized support is crucial for navigating the complexities of this diverse region. Here are some key takeaways and highlights from the Stanford GSB case study, which are particularly relevant to our region: The MENAT region holds immense potential, and we are committed to unlocking it by providing businesses with the tools, knowledge, and connections they need to thrive in the global digital landscape. This case study is proof that our approach is not only effective, but also transformative. It inspires us to continue pushing boundaries, to keep innovating, and to work tirelessly to ensure that the digital future is accessible to all.
Al Bawaba
13-06-2025
- Business
- Al Bawaba
Orange Becomes the Strategic Partner of the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) Group for digital initiatives
Christel Heydemann, CEO of Orange ( Rémy Rioux, CEO of AFD Group, and Françoise Lombard, CEO of Proparco, signed an innovative partnership agreement to jointly accelerate digital inclusion and sustainable digital development. The three-year agreement provides a structured framework for cooperation on expertise and the emergence of joint projects internationally. It covers 17 countries in the Africa-Middle East region where Orange is present, as well as Moldova and French overseas departments. Priority themes include:Digital inclusion of populations through the deployment of strategic infrastructure (ex. backbone equipment of very high-speed networks and submarine cables);Financial and energy inclusion, and access to e-services (agriculture, health, education), especially in rural areas;Reduction of the environmental footprint of digital technology;Training and professional integration through digital tools;Support for innovation and entrepreneurship;Forward-looking discussions on ethical data use, security and artificial intelligence for a multi-service operator and key partner in the digital transformation of the Africa-Middle East region, Orange has already opened 16 Orange Digital Centers and 32 Orange Digital Center Clubs in partnership with universities. These are free and accessible to all, and are designed to promote digital inclusion among youth and foster Group supports public authorities, businesses, civil society and innovative ecosystems in their transition toward a more open, accessible and responsible digital world. It works alongside its partners to leverage digital solutions to achieve their Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).On the basis of this experience, Orange and AFD Group have worked together for over 20 years on various projects, such as supporting the deployment of fixed and mobile telecom networks for Orange subsidiaries in Jordan and Senegal, training youth in digital tools through Orange Foundations in Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea, Madagascar and Tunisia, and supporting coding training programs at Orange Digital Centers in new partnership will strengthen the synergies and increase the dissemination of best practices and innovations in the digital sector. It reflects a renewed ambition aimed at striving towards digital equality and SDG achievement through innovative solutions and collaborative signing the agreement, Christel Heydemann, CEO of Orange, stated:"This strategic partnership with AFD Group marks an important milestone in our collaboration. I look forward to continuing this dynamic of international cooperation for a more inclusive and sustainable digital future, reinforcing Orange's commitment to expanding access to digital technology everywhere we operate."Rémy Rioux, CEO of AFD Group, said: "AFD Group believes that digital technology is a powerful lever for transforming a diverse range of sectors, including public services, education, health and entrepreneurship. This first strategic partnership with Orange exemplifies this shared ambition to support the emergence of sovereign digital services at a local level by investing in solutions that are innovative, open and responsible." Françoise Lombard, CEO of Proparco, added: "Proparco, AFD Group's subsidiary dedicated to the private sector, is fully committed to strengthening its partnership with Orange, both strategically and operationally. By combining our networks, expertise and resources, we are working with determination to improve digital access for all in France and emerging countries."
