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

‘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)

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

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

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”)

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 –IslamabadMarch ‘94 –Karachi March ‘95 –Lahore March ‘95 –PeshawarDecember ‘95 –Quetta August ‘98

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

SDNP Access Strategy: Other Related Issues Training –Free weekly public workshops (Mar. ‘94 - Sep. ‘97) –Virtual training (lessons through ) –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

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

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

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

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

Examples: Wind-up radios for communities Freeplay Foundation, UK: 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

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

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.