I just returned from a two week India trip, and was once again amazed by the rate of change- or to be more precise the rate of change in the rate of change (acceleration). I attended an event hosted by TiE New Delhi where a speaker mentioned that the cost of broadband in India is Rs.200 (US$4.50) per month and that he was told by CEO of an Indian Telco that he can deliver broadband profitably for Rs. 50 (US$1) per month.
So, if you are living in Silicon Valley paying over $45 per month for broadband – get ready to compete with the Indian paying $1. This is a flat world except that it slopes East!
To a SaaS evangelist like myself, this also opens up the possiblity of selling a ‘bundled software & connectivity’ solution to businesses (SMB) that are not yet connected. You can go in and sell an accounting package or SFA (as a Service) including connectivity for $5 per month.