Research by the independent telecoms analyst into broadband in 15 emerging markets revealed that consumers are paying far more on average than the rest of the world, despite earning the lowest wages.

Ovum practice leader and author of the report on broadband pricing in emerging markets Angel Dobardziev says “The cost of broadband in some emerging countries is three times as high as in mature markets, which when coupled with low wages, makes it an unaffordable luxury for all except a small group at the top of the socio-economic pyramid.

“The striking difference in broadband prices in mature and emerging markets means there is a huge divide in terms of uptake of services.”

The Philippines’ competitive broadband market has ensured some of the lowest tariffs amongst those sampled by Ovum. However, given the country’s low GDP per capita (US 1890), these broadband tariffs are quite unaffordable. Wi-tribe’s entry-level WiMAX tariff of $323 is amongst the lowest WiMAX tariffs as compared to other emerging countries sampled. With greater download speed, this is also competitive compared to PLDT’s entry-level DSL tariff of $400.

“The key to making broadband more affordable for emerging markets will be an increase in supply and competition, which is currently modest in most markets and non existent outside the key urban areas,” Angel adds.

“However, many markets will require concerted regulatory and policy efforts to increase competition and supply and bring affordability within reach of the mass consumer market. As yet it is unclear how quickly this will happen.”