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.
Is Meaningful Universal Connectivity a Solution to Slowing Broadband Adoption?

Is Meaningful Universal Connectivity a Solution to Slowing Broadband Adoption?

Published on: Dec 05 2019 by Wayan Vota - Comments Off on Is Meaningful Universal Connectivity a Solution to Slowing Broadband Adoption?
2019 marks several important milestones for the Internet and its usage around the world: 50 years since the very first internet data transmission 30 years since...
Did You Notice that Chad is Offline for a Year? It’s Not Alone

Did You Notice that Chad is Offline for a Year? It’s Not Alone

Published on: May 23 2019 by Wayan Vota - 14 Comments
I believe we all can agree that a government should not close off Internet access for its citizenry. To an extent, an open Internet should be a human right, and...
Apply Now: $500,000 in Cash Grants for Your Internet Projects in Africa, Asia, Americas

Apply Now: $500,000 in Cash Grants for Your Internet Projects in Africa, Asia, Americas

Published on: May 06 2019 by Wayan Vota - Comments Off on Apply Now: $500,000 in Cash Grants for Your Internet Projects in Africa, Asia, Americas
There are five Regional Internet Registries that manage allocation and registration of Internet number resources within their respective regions of the world. The...
What To Do About Uganda’s Social Media and Mobile Money Taxes?

What To Do About Uganda’s Social Media and Mobile Money Taxes?

Published on: Mar 21 2019 by Wayan Vota - 15 Comments
In July 2018, the Ugandan government instituted a 200 shilling, or about $0.05 per day excise duty on Over-the-Top (OTT) social media and instant messaging services...
Finally! Accurate Mobile Network Coverage Maps Show Connectivity Reality

Finally! Accurate Mobile Network Coverage Maps Show Connectivity Reality

Published on: Jan 07 2019 by Troy Etulain - 5 Comments
  Closing the global digital divide is such a daunting challenge, some companies have resorted to expensive, eyebrow-raising, flying moonshot solutions. Despite...
Apply Now: £900,000 for Rural Connectivity Projects in Ghana and Uganda

Apply Now: £900,000 for Rural Connectivity Projects in Ghana and Uganda

Published on: Oct 08 2018 by Wayan Vota - 4 Comments
Mobile internet connectivity brings a wide range of social and economic benefits by helping to promote digital inclusion and supporting the delivery of essential...
Apply Now: USAID Funding to Aggregate Broadband Internet Demand for Better ICT4D Programs

Apply Now: USAID Funding to Aggregate Broadband Internet Demand for Better ICT4D Programs

Published on: Jun 14 2018 by Wayan Vota - 1 Comment
USAID programs are utilizing digital technology more than ever before – and the rapid expansion of mobile and internet access in the developing world holds the...
7 Reasons Why Satellite Broadband Will Connect the Unconnected

7 Reasons Why Satellite Broadband Will Connect the Unconnected

Published on: Mar 01 2018 by Wayan Vota - 2 Comments
National governments, international institutions, and the private and public sector have all acknowledged the importance of bridging the digital divide to foster...
How Will the End of US Net Neutrality Impact ICT4D?

How Will the End of US Net Neutrality Impact ICT4D?

Published on: Dec 14 2017 by Guest Writer - 1 Comment
Today, December 14th, the USA Federal Communications Commission (FCC) under Chairman Ajit Pai’s leadership is planning a vote to potentially roll back net neutrality...
Is Zero-Rated Internet Access Connecting the Unconnected?

Is Zero-Rated Internet Access Connecting the Unconnected?

Published on: Aug 21 2017 by Wayan Vota - 1 Comment
As the debate around zero-rated services (like Facebook’s Free Basics, Twitter Access, and Wikipedia Zero) and other emerging mobile data models continues, data...