Concerning Al Hammond's remarks below, we all know that GSM cellular
networks and prepaid cards have resulted in affordable voice
communications for communities without adequate wired services. It is
true these networks can also be used for low-speed data transmission. I
have used existing
On the topic of using GSM networks for more than voice, our project in
Uganda is now underway. This is a pilot combining the GSM service with
handheld computers and an access point that will allow us to create a
store and forward data network for health workers. For more information
see
The regulatory environment is very poor for Wi-Fi in developing
countries. Please refer to the growing list of countries and their
regulations here:
http://openict.net/projects/openspectrum/
(choose ByCountry)
The reality on the ground is that MOST developing countries do NOT
have the proper
I think William Lester and Fola Odufuwa are pointing out something
important--the potential of cellular networks to provide data
connectivity inexpensively, if imperfectly. As converged devices
proliferate and newer network technologies spread to developing
countries, these problems will ease--and
Its increasingly clear to us:
That there are no standard answers to it - people have begun using what
they have access to - GSM, TDMA, WiFi, cable (even where there is no
telephone and it is primarily used for TV), VSAT or what have you.
That each piece of technology gets created to (a) either
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
