I authored this paper some time in 2003. The paper urges the need to accelerate on-going Internet deployment efforts (especially in developing countries), by deploying technologies that are both scalable and affordable to end-users (or consumers). In order to achieve large-scale Internet connectivity in developing nations, affordability and accessibility of the technology might play a critical role and influence. High prices charged by few service providers and poor (or at times lack of) terrestrial connectivity to majority of the population in rural areas may inhibit large-scale multicast Internet access in developing countries. Next generation broadband satellites may, intrinsically, offer a natural solution for achieving large-scale multicast Internet access in most developing countries.

Further reading:
A copy of this paper can be accessed here

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