Low Cost Information Access Devices-Discussion Summary as at April 20, 2009
Discussion has so far centered on the political, economic, cultural/social, legal or technological issues that impede the use or adoption of each of the identified categories of low cost information access devices in the developing world? How? How do such impediments differ between rural and urban areas?
Political: Contributors talked about the political influence in the implantation of Low-Cost Information Access Devices and general ICT infrastructure building. One critical remark given by Ebenezer Malcolm in the discussions was that there is lack of strong political will on the part of governments of developing countries in the implementation of ICTs even though they have well spelt-out ICT policies. “In a nutshell, there are gaps between the policy framework and actual provisions of infrastructural services. Apart from private sector involvement, the onus falls on these governments to provide these services.” Tim Denny also raised issue of Power (electricity) which is a much needed resource to run the devices. Rural areas are in most cases cut away from national electricity grid. Governments must make effort in embarking on rural electrification projects to set a preparatory ground for ICT investments. Jeff Burderer provided a holistic strategy that governments of developing nations can adopt to deploy ICTs to help accelerate economic development.
Economic: It came out clearly in the discussions that low cost ICTs does not mean influx of sub-standard products into the markets of developing nations. The products need to be capable of ensuring enhanced productivity and grant easy access to information just as high cost devices will give to some extent. Also they should not pose a threat to the environment but should be capable of promoting education and enhance IT services provision in developing nations. Also the contributions brought out the fact that the market size for the manufacture of low-cost devices is large and thus will be a great opportunity for EU manufacturers to explore. This therefore creates a win-win situation.
Legal: Contribution from Tim Denny pointed out some regulatory and legal issues in developing countries that make it expensive to invest in ICTs, even in the low-cost domain. According to him drawing up ICT policies by governments is not enough. On the other hand it should contain favorable elements that will attract investments. Even WiFi in some countries is illegal and requires licensing and this influences manufacturers’ decision in the manufacture of low-cost devices and the penetration of developing markets. Also there are often tall investment processes.
Environment: In his contribution, Jacob Odame cited an example of e-waste which is as a result of damaged electronic devices which poses a threat to the environment. There should be a green element in the manufacture of ICT devices. The manufacture of low-cost ICT devices in fostering economic development in developing countries also calls for the use of eco-friendly components in the build-up of the devices to reduce negative environmental impacts that may pose a threat to the environment.
Political: Contributors talked about the political influence in the implantation of Low-Cost Information Access Devices and general ICT infrastructure building. One critical remark given by Ebenezer Malcolm in the discussions was that there is lack of strong political will on the part of governments of developing countries in the implementation of ICTs even though they have well spelt-out ICT policies. “In a nutshell, there are gaps between the policy framework and actual provisions of infrastructural services. Apart from private sector involvement, the onus falls on these governments to provide these services.” Tim Denny also raised issue of Power (electricity) which is a much needed resource to run the devices. Rural areas are in most cases cut away from national electricity grid. Governments must make effort in embarking on rural electrification projects to set a preparatory ground for ICT investments. Jeff Burderer provided a holistic strategy that governments of developing nations can adopt to deploy ICTs to help accelerate economic development.
Economic: It came out clearly in the discussions that low cost ICTs does not mean influx of sub-standard products into the markets of developing nations. The products need to be capable of ensuring enhanced productivity and grant easy access to information just as high cost devices will give to some extent. Also they should not pose a threat to the environment but should be capable of promoting education and enhance IT services provision in developing nations. Also the contributions brought out the fact that the market size for the manufacture of low-cost devices is large and thus will be a great opportunity for EU manufacturers to explore. This therefore creates a win-win situation.
Legal: Contribution from Tim Denny pointed out some regulatory and legal issues in developing countries that make it expensive to invest in ICTs, even in the low-cost domain. According to him drawing up ICT policies by governments is not enough. On the other hand it should contain favorable elements that will attract investments. Even WiFi in some countries is illegal and requires licensing and this influences manufacturers’ decision in the manufacture of low-cost devices and the penetration of developing markets. Also there are often tall investment processes.
Environment: In his contribution, Jacob Odame cited an example of e-waste which is as a result of damaged electronic devices which poses a threat to the environment. There should be a green element in the manufacture of ICT devices. The manufacture of low-cost ICT devices in fostering economic development in developing countries also calls for the use of eco-friendly components in the build-up of the devices to reduce negative environmental impacts that may pose a threat to the environment.
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