• A participatory approach, community ownership, and locally relevant content have been the keys to the VKCs’ approach. The success of the knowledge centers has resulted in the Government of Pondicherry replicating the project in all villages in the Union Territory.(5) In addition, MSSRF’s own activities have expanded from the original 12 villages to a new emphasis on creating and disseminating content and services at the state level through the Jamsetji Tata National Virtual Academy for Rural Prosperity.(6)
• While communities have contributed a great deal in terms of space, volunteers, and other local resources, most of the services to date have been provided free of charge. As a result, the financial sustainability of the centers is in question, and various revenue-generating options are being considered.
• A more market-oriented approach would have required an additional set of questions about how much community members were currently spending or would be willing to spend for improved access or information services.

3.6. Case Study: Baseline Market Analysis in Peru

Understanding the market is an essential step in pricing, marketing, and long-term profitability and sustainability.

In the context of an impact assessment of a project funded by USAID, the Instituto de Estudios Peruanos and the Annenberg School of Communication conducted a baseline analysis for the Jauja province of Peru, where the project was expected to establish a micro-telco.

• Demographics (age, family situation, occupation, education, language)
• Household income
• Cell phone expenditure
• Public phone expenditure
• Internet use patterns
• Willingness to pay for fixed phone, Internet, computer/Internet classes

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