Tailoring mobile internet tariffs for prepaid users — a balancing act - From prepaid data ‘sachets’ to hybrid plans

Mobile broadband connections in the developing world crossed the 1 billion mark in Q3 2013, having overtaken the developed region in the previous quarter. By 2017, there will be 3 billion mobile broadband connections in the developing world, more than twice the amount in the developed world.

The range and nature of data tariffs on offer is a key factor influencing the adoption of mobile broadband services across developing economies. In this report, we examine the increasing range of prepaid and hybrid data tariffs targeted at cost-conscious populations in predominantly prepaid markets, balancing the twin goals of providing access and preserving returns on network investment.

Internet penetration by region, 2012
Source: ITU, World Bank, GSMA Intelligence