Attaining universal access in rural areas: Business-NGO partnership in Bangladesh as a case study

Abstract

In recent years, partnership in development assistance has received a great deal of attention. This paper evaluates an alternative form of partnership, a business-NGO partnership, that provides rural people with access to telecommunications in Bangladesh. Despite market liberalization, the traditional provision mechanisms may not provide universal access to people living in rural areas of developing countries. Attainment of universal access, therefore, may require alternative institutions. Based on three criteria of universal service provision - nondiscriminatory access, uniform pricing, and quality restrictions - this study finds that the business-NGO partnership complies with the first two criteria. In addition, the partnership ensures economic sustainability for both the business and the NGO. Show more