On Monday, December 1, 2003, Robert Miller wrote: > Simon Woodside wrote: > >> WorldSpace is a broadcast system. With a WorldSpace system you are >> only capable of receiving data, not sending it. > > I wish to disagree in that we are currently using WorldSpace very > effectively as a global multicast solution to refresh all of the Axxess > servers that Advanced Interactive currently has installed across Africa. > With a dialup line as a "back channel" the server maintains contact with > the global Network Operations Center that remotely manages this entire > network.
..[snip statements I agree with]... > let us not discount this technology where a differentiated "last mile" > solution can manage its shortcomings and turn 1-way downlink with a > server managed dialup back channel into a viable way of a sustainable > affordable connected community. Robert, your post has raised more questions than it answered. Thus far, WorldSpace has been billed as a beachhead information system that can be deployed in areas that have no communications infrastructure. I think I'm convinced at this point that's a valid development, though not one I would ever pursue. It's been assumed so far that once an internet connection is available, the internet is superior. And yes -- since on the internet, my rural users can talk back, hold conversations, email their relatives, use VoIP -- all impossible with WorldSpace. Now you have described a situation which adds a dialup to the regular WorldSpace receiver unit. But why would anyone bother with WorldSpace at all if they have dialup internet access? We run the risk of applying a technology (WorldSpace) "just because we can" in that situation. simon -- 99% Devil, 1% Angel homepage http://www.simonwoodside.com for the developing world http://www.openict.net member of http://www.mozilla.org/projects/camino ------------ 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
