Support Systems to Poor Communities James Kasigwa (Eng) Ministry of ICT, Uganda

Presentation Overview Why broadband is Important especial for Africa Who we are talking about “Poor Communities” Policy Interventional Case of Uganda Conclusion/High level Observations

Why Broadband in Africa???

Who are the Poor?? Equity Bank’s Dr. James Mwangi was named the 'Forbes Africa Person of the Year 2012, and African Business Leader of the Year 2013 by Africa Investor

ICT Infrastructure Development in Urban-Centers Source: Business Daily

Broadband Adoption Challenges Cost Inadequate/Lack of Broadband Infrastructure Cost of the Broadband Service Cost of Access Equipment (PC, Mobile) Usability Lack of Digital Literacy Physical Handicap Infrastructure issues (Bottlenecks) Relevance Lack of Relevant Content Internet considered a waste of time & money

Policy Interventions for Poor Communities Broadband Infrastructure Open Access, No Competition on Infrastructure but Service (PPP), PIP & PSP Broadband Infrastructure on others Public Infra/Utilities (Power-lines, Roads,) Non-Exclusive Connectivity (International, Regional and Last-mile Eg. DVB) Embrace the convergence of Technologies (Service, Networks, Organisation) Research Innovation Linkage between Academia and Industry (curriculum review) Innovation ecosystems (Open Data policy) Relevant Content/Services/Applications Regional approach to growing the pan (ITES $500Bn) Integrated, Demand driven Solutions, Harmonising National Programs taking services to Rural Areas (SIPs , 8, 15, 17) Involve the communities in the process (Planning, Funding, and implementation) Digital literacy programs

Personal Conclusion The Policy strong on closing the Supply Gap and deserves more on the Demand Side, (address poor communities we need to strengthen the Demand Side: eg. Deliberated Training in Digital Literacy. More Strength on Regional Integrations to boost the regional competitiveness Integrated Approach to National Infrastructure Plan,  R827 billion (SIP 8:Greening Energy, SIP10:Electricy Transmission, SIP 16: SKA, and 17 Regional Integration) Open Data Initiatives for Innovation & Relevant Services/Apps/Content Cloud computing to address cost issues to the poor (IaaS, SaaS, Charge on usage Vs licensing) Dig/cut once Policy in the Broadband strategy Focus on the Implementation Plan: Legal frame work to enforce the implementation.

Thank You!!!