A Study by "MAS" Highlights the Role of Unofficial Internet Service Providers in Supporting the Digital Economy in Gaza

SadaNews - The Palestinian Economic Policy Research Institute (MAS), in partnership with Global Communities (GC) and funded by the Swedish government, has released a new study titled "Unofficial Internet Service Providers and Their Potential Role in Promoting Digital Shopping and Electronic Payments in Gaza." The study provides an in-depth qualitative analysis of adaptive digital practices within the Gaza Strip, focusing on the period following the severe deterioration of the official communication infrastructure.

The study aimed to document and analyze the operational models and technological adaptations adopted by unofficial internet service providers in Gaza, showcasing how micro, small, and medium enterprises have benefited from this connectivity in employing digital marketing and electronic payments to ensure the continuity of their economic activities. The study also highlights the aspects of resilience and innovation among the actors within this ecosystem, along with the interconnected challenges they face, including high communication costs, reliability issues, regulatory uncertainty, and security risks.

The preparation procedures for the study focused on the intersection between three key players (the operational ecosystem of internet service providers, the survival strategies of micro, small, and medium enterprises, and the use of digital marketing and electronic payment tools) as means for economic survival and business continuity. In this context, the study concluded with a set of actionable insights for policymakers, development partners, and private sector actors, who seek to design recovery strategies that contribute to supporting digital economic recovery efforts in Gaza, guiding policymakers and supporting entities towards more realistic and inclusive regulatory frameworks and intervention programs that enhance the resilience of the digital economy in times of crisis.

To view the study click here