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On the Issues of Universal Access

On the Issues of Universal Access. Hasan A. Rizvi, SDNP, Pakistan Workshop on “WSIS: the Asian Response”, Bangkok, Nov. 22-24, 2002. ‘ Real Access’. Real Access goes beyond computers and connections

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On the Issues of Universal Access

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  1. On the Issues of Universal Access Hasan A. Rizvi, SDNP, Pakistan Workshop on “WSIS: the Asian Response”, Bangkok, Nov. 22-24, 2002

  2. ‘Real Access’ • Real Access goes beyond computers and connections • The goal - right info to the right people when they need it in forms they can understand (two way) - connectivity, content and capacity (enabling socio-cultural factors)

  3. Convergence and Delivery • Convergence - digital unification: all forms of communications that can be digitalized - from written text to sound and video can be delivered through similar means • Ultimately a single access device could be used, though not currently possible

  4. Unique Characteristics of ICTs • Pervasive and cross-cutting - can be applied to full range of human activity • Key enabler in the creation of networks - those with access benefit from exponentially increasing returns as usage increases • Foster dissemination of info and knowledge by separating content from its physical location - transcend geographical boundaries • Digital and virtual nature - almost zero marginal costs

  5. Unique Characteristics of ICTs (continued) • Power to store, retrieve, sort, filter, distribute and share information seamlessly can lead to substantial efficiency gains in production, distribution and markets --> new products, services and industries • Facilitate disintermediation - users can get services and products directly from the original provider, remove middlemen • Facilitate customization through automated tools (“markets of one”)

  6. SDNP Access Strategy: Catalyst for a National Network • Strategic first step (in the absence of any public domain networking services) : development of networking precedes networking for development • Small demonstration project - use of inexpensive dialup, store-and-forward technology - immensely successful • Launch of network nodes • Islamabad March ‘94 • Karachi March ‘95 • Lahore March ‘95 • Peshawar December ‘95 • Quetta August ‘98

  7. Catalyst for a National Network • End of 1996 -- the largest service provider with 5000 client nodes and 20-25 thousand end users • Innovation • Successful Policy Advocacy: • Deregulation of datacom • Creation of a National Internet Exchange • Cyber community centres

  8. SDNP Access Strategy: Other Related Issues • Training • Free weekly public workshops (Mar. ‘94 - Sep. ‘97) • Virtual training (lessons through email) • Customized training for member organizations • Training in remote areas • Use of Open Source Software (Linux) • Tariff structure -- differential rates subsidized for development sector • Internship programme -> trained manpower

  9. Access: The Pakistani Paradox • Present Government: IT declared one of the main focus areas • Connectivity increased: from 29 cities in Aug. 2000 to about 800 in two years • Internet available through unmetered, local call • Bandwidth rates drastically slashed • Little or no impact at grass root level

  10. Universal Access: Some Characteristics • High costs: hardware, software, connectivity, training • Availability: telephone line • Uninterrupted power • Terrestrial telephone line ---> Wireless • Individual home ---> Community

  11. Examples: CorDECT WLL • IIT Chennai: Professor A. Jhunjhunwala • Technology Company, N-Logue, provides infrastructure • Cheap: replaces expensive cabling with wireless base stations • Internet and telephone kiosk: antennas, mast, telephone set with meter, multi-media Pentium with local language support, 4-hour battery backup • Targeted at rural entrepreneurs • Initial costs $ 800, eventually < $400

  12. Examples: Radio Browsing in Kothmale, Sri Lanka • KCR: oldest community radio in South Asia • Combines community radio with Internet • 64 kbps Internet connection to a cyber community centre which also hosts KCR • People seek info through community radio • Info collected from Internet broadcast over the community radio

  13. Examples: Wind-up radios for communities • Freeplay Foundation, UK: www.freeplayfoundation.org • Self powered technology: mostly used in Africa, so far • Continually improving models • latest model: battery recharge - winding, solar or adapter - upto 14 hours • ACMAD Project: solar-powered satellite receiver with freeplay radio

  14. What is to be done? • Problem to be recognized and addressed • Policy Reforms • Regulations • Research and Development • Other important issues

  15. What is to be done? • Holistic Approach • Deeper understanding of ICT use in different cross-sections of society – gender, illiterate etc. • Encourage inclusive and partnership-oriented initiatives. • Government, philanthropy, social entrepreneurship, business etc.

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