Business models and technologies for wireless community networks

Providing broadband access to citizens, communities, public institutions and developing businesses has become a strategic objective for governments and international organizations worldwide. In particular, serious problems related to the ldquodigital dividerdquo have been widely recognized by public administrations. However, the solution to these problems is not straightforward. Although the appropriate technologies are there, telecommunication companies cannot deploy them as the large costs and very long return of investment makes it prohibitive according to their usual business models.