General hypothesis

In 1994, the author visited Albania and observed how small entrepreneurs will copy what they perceive as successful businesses.  On the Southern shores of Lake Ohrid, in the town of Pogradec, a local entrepreneur had built a little shack, and put out some plastic chairs and tables.  He served coffee and Raki – the local strong alcoholic beverage.  He was apparently well patronized and profitable.  Over the months, several others had copied his idea and were also doing good business.  Although the principles of supply and demand would eventually stop the copying, a good lesson resulted.  If a good profitable business model can be demonstrated, local entrepreneurs will copy it.  They will find the capital somehow, and they will replicate the model.

In order to see a diffusion of good quality Internet connectivity, it is believed that a reliable business model needs to be developed and proven.  The overarching question is therefore:

“What are the key factors that affect the viability of an Internet business in the developing world?”