Alternate Connectivity Solution : Critical Challenge for Developing Countries
Bangladesh, like many other developing countries has the infrastructure problem for promotion / utilization of ICT and related service for education and information dissemination. The infrastructure problems kept the major portion of population living in the rural areas far away from the new revolution of Internet and ICT facilities, both educational and Social / economic development perspective. To reach the remote people, technological and development activists along with govt. should come forward with workable and implementable solution with new approach 'Alternate Connectivity'. The combination of traditional and new technology, using existing telecom infrastructure Alternate Connectivity can be ensured. For example, the rural people, who don't have access to the net can be provided Personal Computers with renewable energy support systems, if even electricity is not available. Simultaneously, relevant content / educational materials of the net may be made available in the form of CD / Floppy version with regular updates can be provided. Locally published medical journals / development issues can be easily collected and reproduced with prior permission for distributing education and research purpose only. Specifically, for the health professional and medical practitioner need updated information of the modern medical science to keep themselves updated and sharpen their knowledge. If the govt. / development partners / activist collect the educational programs like CME (Continued Medical Education) / DL (Distance Learning) or health related information and arrange distribution of the same through CD / Floppy and even through print version to the target audience. Any other professional group / community can also be served through the same approach. ICT can open new channels that bring new knowledge and information resources to rural communities. Traditional communication channels have been used successfully but there have been monologic and have not allowed for much interaction with users. To ensure the connectivity, physical accessibility is a must and Telecenter can be the role module and the need may be met as physical access center. The educational institutes (Schools/Colleges)/ local offices of the civil society (NGO) having minimum ICT facilities (Computer and printer). The Bangladesh model for disseminating information and education materials, experiencing the pilot phase till now is a success with a series of challenges. BDHealthInfo, a program of ICTDP (Information Communication and Technology Development Program, Bangladesh) is implementing MPTC (Multi Purpose Tele Center) at Sonagazi, Feni and using Alternate Connectivity approach to bridge the the digital divide gap. Local health professionals, women community and different professional groups are sharing the benefits of ICT from the center. As the connectivity and infrastructure is a long term issue and involved huge investment, govt. and development partners should come forward and support the Alternate Connectivity approach as a uplifting solution for the developing countries like Bangladesh. Please comment and join. Best regards, Shahid Uddin Akbar Coordinator ICTDP'B Bangladesh Email : [EMAIL PROTECTED] ------------ ***GKD is solely supported by EDC, a Non-Profit Organization*** 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.edc.org/GLG/gkd/>
