Practical Insights on Connectivity for ICT4D Projects

Internet Access freedom

How Internet Connectivity Improves People’s Lives in Developing Countries

Internet connectivity can help to improve access to information, opportunities, and services, and can contribute to the overall well-being and development of communities in developing countries, including:

  • Education: Internet connectivity can provide access to a wealth of educational resources, including online courses, educational videos, and other materials. This can help to improve the quality of education and expand opportunities for learning, especially for people in remote or underserved areas.
  • Employment: Internet connectivity can help people in developing countries to find and apply for jobs, as well as connect with potential employers and clients. It can also enable people to start and run their own businesses, providing a source of income and economic opportunities.
  • Health: Internet connectivity can provide access to health information and resources, including telemedicine services, which can improve access to healthcare and lead to better health outcomes.
  • Communication: Internet connectivity can help people to stay connected with friends and family, and to access news and information from around the world. It can also facilitate the exchange of ideas and facilitate collaboration with others.
  • Political participation: Internet connectivity can provide a platform for people to engage in political discourse and participate in the democratic process, helping to promote transparency and accountability in governance.
Data vs. SMS Revenue for Safaricom: Data Wins!

Data vs. SMS Revenue for Safaricom: Data Wins!

Published on: Mar 31 2010 by Wayan Vota - Comments Off on Data vs. SMS Revenue for Safaricom: Data Wins!
Here is a very heartening tweet from Ory Okolloh about Safaricom, Kenya’s largest mobile phone operator: If in deed, Safaricom broadband modems and their...
Did the Nigerian Government Bribe Opera Mini?

Did the Nigerian Government Bribe Opera Mini?

Published on: Mar 29 2010 by Wayan Vota - 5 Comments
I want to believe one of the things that captured your attention is the “bribe” in the title of this article. You have heard about the Halliburton scandal...
Two Ways The African Union Can Take ICT Seriously

Two Ways The African Union Can Take ICT Seriously

Published on: Mar 01 2010 by Wayan Vota - Comments Off on Two Ways The African Union Can Take ICT Seriously
At the 14th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of African Union, Bingu wa Mutharika, the African Union (AU) chairperson, has called...
ICT is an Important Haiti Earthquake Response

ICT is an Important Haiti Earthquake Response

Published on: Jan 18 2010 by Wayan Vota - 1 Comment
In the immediate aftermath of a disaster, like the earthquake in Haiti, the need to communicate is immense. From the search for loved ones, to coordination of humanitarian...
Seamlessly Transfer Data Between Google Earth and Radio Mobile

Seamlessly Transfer Data Between Google Earth and Radio Mobile

Published on: Dec 28 2009 by Wayan Vota - Comments Off on Seamlessly Transfer Data Between Google Earth and Radio Mobile
tweetmeme_source = 'ICT_works'; Share It’s the classic dilemma: Google Earth has the fantastic interface you need to keep track of your GPS data, and high...
Create Accurate WiFi Links, Free with ASTER GDEM

Create Accurate WiFi Links, Free with ASTER GDEM

Published on: Dec 15 2009 by Andris Bjornson - 7 Comments
In 1999, the US and Japan jointly launched the Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) into orbit. One of the goals of the ASTER instrument...
Obtaining ASTER GDEM Data and Converting to SRTM1 for Use With RadioMobile

Obtaining ASTER GDEM Data and Converting to SRTM1 for Use With RadioMobile

Published on: Dec 09 2009 by Andris Bjornson - 2 Comments
Why to Use ASTER Data There are two main reasons to think about going through this process to use ASTER data instead of SRTM3 for RadioMobile wireless link planning:...
TEDxKampala – Celebrating Africa’s ICT Arrival

TEDxKampala – Celebrating Africa’s ICT Arrival

Published on: Dec 01 2009 by Wayan Vota - 1 Comment
Had I told you in 2000 that Kampala, Uganda would host a TED-type event sponsored by UNICEF and a growing IT incubation center, with notables like New York Times...
How Can We Increase Access to ICT, Today?

How Can We Increase Access to ICT, Today?

Published on: Nov 18 2009 by Wayan Vota - Comments Off on How Can We Increase Access to ICT, Today?
1. Keep an Open Mind on What is “ICT” All too often, we get so caught up in what is shiny, flashy, and new, we come to think of just computers, Internet...
Cloud Computing in Africa? All Weather is Local

Cloud Computing in Africa? All Weather is Local

Published on: Nov 05 2009 by Wayan Vota - 5 Comments
Recently there’s been a good discussion about cloud computing in Africa, where Ken Banks asks if its “Inappropriate” appropriate technology? Ken...