A resource that describes briefly many such efforts can be found on line at <www.digitaldividend.org>--our Clearinghouse, with over 900 ICT for development projects. Quite a few are basic connectivity efforts--both networks, like n-Logue, EID Parry's Corners, ITC echoupal, etc., as well as access points like telecenters (we list more than 100). These efforts vary widely--see our in-depth case studies of several of them also posted at that site, and our analysis of telecenters. In general, all face high connectivity costs, and some also face regulatory barriers or opposition from legacy telcoms; virtually all those in our database seek to foster development.
Most of the telecenters do not have sustainable business models, and will probably eventually fail. Many of the emerging networks that seem sustainable target their efforts--eg to rural farmers, in the case of ITC echoupal. Most use phone-line connectivity or VSAT, but n-Logue is using wireless links. We believe that emerging wireless technologies will dominate efforts to provide low-cost connectivity in the coming years--both MESH networks using WiFi, and larger area networks using WiMax. In some areas, newer cellular networks may also compete for basic connectivity, primarily because they already have a successful business base, and we have documented a number of instances where cellular companies are providing singificant social value (Grameen Telecom, Vodacom Phone Shops). Allen L. Hammond Vice President for Innovation & Special Projects World Resources Institute 10 G Street NE Washington, DC 20002 USA V (202) 729-7777 F (202) 729-7775 [EMAIL PROTECTED] www.wri.org www.digitaldividend.org ------------ This DOT-COM Discussion is funded by the dot-ORG USAID Cooperative Agreement, and hosted by GKD. http://www.dot-com-alliance.org provides more information. To post a message, send it to: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To subscribe or unsubscribe, send a message to: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>. In the 1st line of the message type: subscribe gkd OR type: unsubscribe gkd For the GKD database, with past messages: http://www.GKDknowledge.org
