Practical Insights on Internet Access

Internet Access freedom

How does internet access improve lives in developing countries?

Internet access 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. Five examples include:

  1. Education: Internet access can provide people in developing countries with 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.
  2. Employment: Internet access 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.
  3. Healthcare: Internet access can provide access to health information and resources, including telemedicine services, which can improve access to healthcare and lead to better health outcomes.
  4. Communication: Internet access 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.
  5. Political participation: Internet access 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.
Apply Now for $240,000 in Grants for African ICT4D Projects

Apply Now for $240,000 in Grants for African ICT4D Projects

Published on: May 23 2016 by Wayan Vota - 24 Comments
The Fund for Internet Research and Development (FIRE Africa) has over US$240,000 in grant funding to support projects that use ICT to develop innovative solutions...
The Global Archipelago of Internet Disconnection

The Global Archipelago of Internet Disconnection

Published on: May 06 2016 by Guest Writer - 1 Comment
For many people around the world, Internet access is an essential part of everyday economic, social and political activities (cf. Graham & Dutton, 2014). Yet...
We Are Coming Full Circle From AOL to Facebook: What Can We Learn?

We Are Coming Full Circle From AOL to Facebook: What Can We Learn?

Published on: Jan 08 2016 by Josh Woodard - 8 Comments
A Quartz study from last year, building off of previous findings from Helani Galpaya and Christoph Stork, reported that majorities of people in the world’s 2nd,...
What If Everyone Had Free 2G Mobile Internet Access?

What If Everyone Had Free 2G Mobile Internet Access?

Published on: Jan 06 2016 by Steve Song - 6 Comments
Imagine a world where all phones were automatically connected to the Internet, at no charge. Is this an idle fantasy? The current worldwide debate about Zero-Rating...
Will Outernet Bring Connectivity to the Unconnected Parts of the World?

Will Outernet Bring Connectivity to the Unconnected Parts of the World?

Published on: Oct 21 2015 by Guest Writer - 4 Comments
Nearly 5 billion people today lack basic Internet access due to poor telecom infrastructure or government censorship policies. These people are increasingly becoming...
Internet in Cuba: A New Medium for Individual Freedoms?

Internet in Cuba: A New Medium for Individual Freedoms?

Published on: Sep 02 2015 by Guest Writer - Comments Off on Internet in Cuba: A New Medium for Individual Freedoms?
The famous Cuban blogger Yoanni Sanchez once called Cuba the island of the disconnected. According to Cuba’s 2011 official government statistics, a mere 25% of...
Key Success Factors for ICT4D Solutions for Base of the Pyramid Consumers

Key Success Factors for ICT4D Solutions for Base of the Pyramid Consumers

Published on: May 15 2015 by Guest Writer - Comments Off on Key Success Factors for ICT4D Solutions for Base of the Pyramid Consumers
Over the past decade, many organizations have leveraged newly available broadband to set up sustainable projects that better include the base of the pyramid (BOP)...
4 Questions for Internet.org as Internet for the Poor

4 Questions for Internet.org as Internet for the Poor

Published on: May 08 2015 by Guest Writer - 3 Comments
Approximately 80% of the world’s population lives in areas already covered by 2G or 3G networks. The coverage is mostly urban, with the basic infrastructure already...
What is the Future of ICT4D in Cuba?

What is the Future of ICT4D in Cuba?

Published on: Mar 20 2015 by Wayan Vota - 3 Comments
The US Government has a mixed record in using technology to help the Cuban people improve their lives. Most of its attempts ended in failure, some painful for everyone...
Partnership Expands ICT Support for Ebola Fight in West Africa

Partnership Expands ICT Support for Ebola Fight in West Africa

Published on: Jan 22 2015 by Guest Writer - Comments Off on Partnership Expands ICT Support for Ebola Fight in West Africa
DAVOS, Switzerland, Jan. 21, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — NetHope, a consortium of 42 leading international humanitarian organizations, announced today a partnership...