Full participation in the global Internet Economy requires electronic connectivity of increasing complexity. Today, due to a wave of liberalisation and technological and business innovation, much of the world is electronically connected, albeit not atlevels that support full participation. This chapter examines the contributions made by competition and business innovation to achieving current levels of connectivity and the possibilities for extrapolation to ensure widespread participation in the global Internet Economy.The biggest challenge facing the developing world in this area is connecting low-income groups. Solutions to this problem will make finding solutions to others easier. In addressing the challenge of connectivity, this chapter draws extensively from research conducted in South and Southeast Asia. In the concluding section, policy implications - including articulations with tax and other policies that must be aligned if access is to translate into wealth creation - are discussed.
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