Re: [GKD-DOTCOM] What's on the Horizon?
If we were to ask What SHOULD be on the horizon?, then I would answer: IMHO, the number one thing that would help Africa catch up to the technology revolution would be the elimination of the telecom monopolies. Whether by allowing competition from both internal and external vendors, privatization of existing government-owned telcoms, relaxation of laws for VSAT and wireless connectivity, or other similar choices, African governments could speed up the development of affordable services running on a sustainable and reliable infrastructure by letting go of their choke hold on their telecoms. Ironically, the increase in business that the ensuing development would enable, would create untold opportunities for money-making schemes, the very reason that governments cling to those fragile telecoms. Bill Lester William A. Lester CTO/Director of Technology NinthBridge a program of EngenderHealth 440 Ninth Avenue New York, NY 10001 (Office) 212.561.8002 (eFax) 212.202.5167 (e-Mail) [EMAIL PROTECTED] (URL) www.ninthbridge.org The Means to The Mission 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
Re: [GKD-DOTCOM] Improving Access Via Mobile Telephony
Congratulations! Fola Odufuwa has got it exactly right, IMHO. As we look for what was referred to in some previous posts as 'narrowband' solutions, the evolution of the mobile phone from a simple audio communication device to an internet gateway may prove to be the answer. While we won't get the speed of high-end WiFi, we will get a cost-effective solution to support low bandwidth applications, like email, along with access to all the virtual knowledge centers on the internet super-highway. This is happening, not just in Africa, but all over the world - in places where traditional wired infrastructure is too expensive or not in place. We've seen this happen in Eastern Europe, where George Soros has invested millions to help civil society by investing in wireless technology, and we are seeing it happen today in the nation-building efforts in Afghanistan and East Timor. Go to Cambodia and see how clever people are bundling multiple inexpensive mobile phones into virtual GSM internet gateways that can support email servers and web sites. While there is no one solution for such a complicated issue, often one workable solution will help us to move swiftly in the right direction. Bill Lester William A. Lester CTO/Director of Technology NinthBridge a program of EngenderHealth 440 Ninth Avenue New York, NY 10001 (Office) 212.561.8002 (eFax) 212.202.5167 (e-Mail) [EMAIL PROTECTED] (URL) www.ninthbridge.org The Means to The Mission Fola Odufuwa [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: The only constraint to this happening now is two-fold. First is the limitation of GSM technology. GSM support for broadband Internet technologies, a key requirement to productive Internet access, is evolving at the moment. There is no clear-cut, globally acceptable single means of assessing the Internet via a mobile device on a GSM network. Whether it is WAP, GPRS, EDGE, or ETC (!), GSM support for the Internet is extremely weak. This is why bypass technologies such as Wi-Fi, and Wi-Max are in strong demand. The second reason is the poor usability of mobile phones as Internet access devices. But this problem would be solved and the Internet will soon merge with, and converge into, mobile devices. When that happens, the digital revolution in Africa would be even more explosive. Think of it again. The day you can conveniently use your regular mobile phone (and I'm not talking of expensive esoteric models as the Communicator) to send emails to your loved ones in the village and browse for current prices of cement (for instance), that day your need for the services of a place to browse would diminish! The place to browse would be right in your hands! And that day is not too far-fetched. 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
[GKD] Riders Roundup 2002: IT for Non-Profits
Dear Colleagues, If you are... - an IT consultant with nonprofit clients - an IT professional who is on staff at a nonprofit organization - a member of the Nonprofit Open Source movement - a member of the Community Technology Center movement - a member of the Circuit Rider movement - a nonprofit professional who has become an accidental techie - an activist or advocate who wants to go online to expand your outreach - a nonprofit management support professional who needs to learn more about IT - an idealistic professional who is considering a career in IT for nonprofit organizations ..then it's time to considering attending Roundup 2002. = FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) *What is the Roundup? It's an annual conference for individuals and organizations working in nonprofit technology -- a great opportunity to meet peers and build relationships, share resources and ideas, and learn more about what's happening in the field. Originally a US-based movement, in the last few years, there's been a great deal of international interest, especially in the developing world. Last years roundup had attendees from Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. For more information on why you should attend, please go to http://www.nten.org/stories/storyReader$25. *When is the Roundup? April 11-14, 2002. Check out the Roundup schedule of events at http://www.nten.org/stories/storyReader$21 . *Where is the Roundup? Orlando, FL. See the roundup hotels and reserve a room now: http://www.nten.org/stories/storyReader$22 *How much does it cost to attend? The registration fee is $250. This includes meals! Limited scholarships will be available -- see http://www.nten.org/stories/storyReader$23 for details. *How do I register? Go to http://www.nten.org/stories/storyReader$23 *Are airfare discounts available? Yes -- check out http://www.nten.org/stories/storyReader$24 *Will there be a day of service this year? Yes -- volunteers are needed! See http://www.nten.org/stories/storyReader$26 for details. * Can I help to spread the word about Roundup 2002? Yes! If you'd like to get involved, go to http://www.nten.org/stories/storyReader$27 . = If you have other concerns or questions, please feel free to email Deborah Finn [EMAIL PROTECTED]; She'll be happy to refer you to a member of the Roundup 2002 Committee who can give you a definitive answer. Many thanks and best regards, Bill Lester (Member, Roundup 2002 Outreach Committee) William A. Lester CTO/Director of Technology NinthBridge a program of EngenderHealth 440 Ninth Avenue New York, NY 10001 (Office) 212.561.8002 (eFax) 212.202.5167 (e-Mail) [EMAIL PROTECTED] (URL) www.ninthbridge.org The Means to The Mission ***GKD is an initiative of the Global Knowledge Partnership*** 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 Archives of previous GKD messages can be found at: http://www.globalknowledge.org
Re: [GKD] Computer Shipping and Transport Costs
re: ... identifying a trusted party at that end. There are local non-profit organizations that provide technology assistance and support to other non-profit organizations. They are based on the circuit rider model popular in the US, where technicians travel from site to site with their bag of tools, training materials, and general expertise in a range of services and solutions appropriate for the environment. Circuit Rider organizations are found in many of the larger population centers in the developing world and are an excellent resource for both identifying worthy recipient organizations and/or providing the onsite assistance for installation, training, and ongoing support of the donated hardware. Our organization does this in many cities in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Perhaps a discussion with similar organizations might lead to a partnership to ensure that deliveries are not only completed in a timely manner, but that the follow up training and maintenance is done to ensure the success of the initial donation. Bill Lester William A. Lester CTO/Director of Technology NinthBridge a program of EngenderHealth 440 Ninth Avenue New York, NY 10001 (Office) 212.561.8002 (eFax) 305.489.6286 (e-Mail) [EMAIL PROTECTED] (URL) www.ninthbridge.org ***GKD is an initiative of the Global Knowledge Partnership*** 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 Archives of previous GKD messages can be found at: http://www.globalknowledge.org
