The Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development met in Rwanda last weekend to present the World Telecommunications Development Conference (WTDC).

At the event, Charles Slim, The richest man in Latin America and the owner of America Movil (Claro), suggested that operators pay users’ cell phones. Slim said it would be appropriate for the state to create programs to pay for citizen connectivity.

The billionaire said of the carriers: “They can provide equipment and monthly subscriptions to eligible families for government programs, ensuring reasonable packages with unlimited minutes and ample data. It will support distance education, e-health and e-commerce.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame also spoke at the event: “We are still living in difficult times, financially, politically and in terms of global public health. The future is full of uncertainties and risks. But one thing is for sure: by investing in universal and affordable broadband, we can meet all the challenges faster, better and more equally, ”Kagame said.

Another keynote address was delivered by Howlin Shaw, Co-Vice President of the Commission and Secretary General of the ITU (International Telecommunication Unit, or International Telecommunication Union). “One of the challenges we have to overcome is to reduce the cost of broadband subscriptions and digital equipment, especially in low- and middle-income economies,” he said.