Conclusions
After seven years of discussion in international forums, publication of research papers and even some limited press coverage22, the fact remains that the IIC costs issue remains as an important obstacle to the dissemination of Internet access at affordable prices throughout the developing countries.
It is quite evident from the above analysis that the current cost models of IIC are based on market power without considering any public policy objectives related to Internet development. Businesses of the developed world have frequently argued that market competition, local peering and infrastructure expansions shall help developing nations overcome this problem. On the other hand, Egypt's case study has shown that such factors are reasonably achieved in Egypt and yet the cost model of IIC remains unchanged.
This proves the need to seriously contemplate the IIC issue, not only through the forums where it has been discussed for quite a long time, but through some high level international Internet governance mechanisms that needs to be created. The main challenge here is to come up with an innovative solution that on one hand maintains the dynamism and efficiency of the Internet, while on the other hand allow operators in developing nations to provide better, widespread and cost-effective services for all. And this is most likely to entail the concerted political will of governments and the decisive participation of the rest of the stakeholders.
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