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.
Are Kenyan .KE Domain Names Too Expensive?

Are Kenyan .KE Domain Names Too Expensive?

Published on: Jul 09 2010 by Wayan Vota - 13 Comments
Recently, Moses Kemibaro present the marketing plan for the .KE top-level country domain, managed by the Kenya Network Information Centre (KENIC). In his presentation,...
The Availability of Prepaid Mobile Data Plans in All 53 African Countries

The Availability of Prepaid Mobile Data Plans in All 53 African Countries

Published on: Jul 02 2010 by Wayan Vota - 1 Comment
Kevin Donovan and Jonathan Donner believe that prepaid ICT access models are more appropriate for poorer consumers and the availability of prepaid mobile data will...
How to Demystify the Internet in Rural Africa

How to Demystify the Internet in Rural Africa

Published on: Jun 14 2010 by Linda Raftree - 2 Comments
I was in a workshop in the Upper West Region of Ghana recently. The goal was two-fold: to train a small group of staff, ICT teachers and local partners on social...
Are Mobile Phones Pushing Cyber Cafes Out of Business?

Are Mobile Phones Pushing Cyber Cafes Out of Business?

Published on: May 10 2010 by Oluniyi Ajao - 8 Comments
When last did you visit a cyber cafe? Eight years ago, my answer would have been “right now”. I would have been writing/reading this on a computer in a cyber...
Why African Internet Bandwidth Prices Are Still High

Why African Internet Bandwidth Prices Are Still High

Published on: May 05 2010 by Alex Twinomugisha - 2 Comments
It’s been about 12 months since Africa was the only continent without submarine fiber telecommunication links to the rest of the world on all of its coasts. The...
8 Ways to Improve Internet Bandwidth Speeds in Computer Labs

8 Ways to Improve Internet Bandwidth Speeds in Computer Labs

Published on: Apr 19 2010 by Wayan Vota - Comments Off on 8 Ways to Improve Internet Bandwidth Speeds in Computer Labs
Internet bandwidth – everyone wants more, no matter where you are or who is looking at the screen. Yet, its as much a matter of perception as anything else...
Goat*Net: Bleating Edge WiFi Mesh Networking from Inveneo

Goat*Net: Bleating Edge WiFi Mesh Networking from Inveneo

Published on: Apr 01 2010 by Wayan Vota - 6 Comments
The WiFi hackers at Inveneo, famous for their long-distance network in Haiti, are piloting a new Internet connectivity solution that they hope will bring Internet...
Data vs. SMS Revenue for Safaricom: Data Wins!

Data vs. SMS Revenue for Safaricom: Data Wins!

Published on: Mar 31 2010 by Wayan Vota - Comments Off on Data vs. SMS Revenue for Safaricom: Data Wins!
Here is a very heartening tweet from Ory Okolloh about Safaricom, Kenya’s largest mobile phone operator: If in deed, Safaricom broadband modems and their...
Did the Nigerian Government Bribe Opera Mini?

Did the Nigerian Government Bribe Opera Mini?

Published on: Mar 29 2010 by Wayan Vota - 5 Comments
I want to believe one of the things that captured your attention is the “bribe” in the title of this article. You have heard about the Halliburton scandal...
Two Ways The African Union Can Take ICT Seriously

Two Ways The African Union Can Take ICT Seriously

Published on: Mar 01 2010 by Wayan Vota - Comments Off on Two Ways The African Union Can Take ICT Seriously
At the 14th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of African Union, Bingu wa Mutharika, the African Union (AU) chairperson, has called...