1. The 2nd National ICT Summit 2015
The Digital Divide – Beyond Access and Connectivity
Laban Hiwilepo
Telecom Namibia Windhoek, 6 – 7 October 2015

2. Presentation focus areas and key messages
An overview of the digital divide definition and how it evolved over time.
A snapshot of digital divide gaps dimensions and challenges in general and in the context of Namibia with a perspective that goes beyond access and connectivity requirements.
A holistic perspective to address the challenges of digital divide gaps in Namibia based on a multi-stakeholder approach.
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3. … connected society that use ICT effectively
What is Digital Divide?
The initial definition focussed on the divide of those who have a computer and internet access. In the 21st century it is used to refer to the gap between those individuals and communities who own, access and effectively use ICT and those who do not. It exists beyond demographic and gender lines across all countries in the world.
between
young and old groups of societies
between
continents and
countries
… connected society that use ICT effectively
between urban and rural
between man and women
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4. How is the world doing ?
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5. The world in 2015 – ITU Facts and Figures
According to ITU’s ICT facts and figures of 2015, there is still a long way to close the digital divide. 34% of households in developing world have access to internet compared to 80% in developed world. In Africa, one in 5 people use the Internet today, compared to almost 2 in 5 people in Asia & Pacific, and 3 in 5 people in the CIS
Source: ITU – ICT Facts and figures, May 2015
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6. How is Namibia doing ?
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7. % Houses with Electricty
Namibia in 2015
In 2014, Namibia’s number of households stood at 521,488. As at June 2015, Namibians have broadband services predominantly mobile broadband.
925,075
% Houses with Electricty
% Houses with a TV set
% Houses with a PC
% Houses with Radio
Mobile BB 
880,833
Fixed BB
44,242
[NSA 2011]
[RIA & CRAN 2011]
[CRAN June 2015]
[RIA & CRA 2011]
[RIA & CRAN 2011]
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8. Namibian Schools and Learners
In 2014, Namibia’s number of households stood at 521,488. Only 42.3% of the households were having electricity in 2011.
598,399
1,723
1,100
Schools with electricity
415,454
Primary Schools Learners
623
Schools with no electricity
182,945
Secondary Schools Learners
EMIS 2012
EMIS 2012
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9. Many sides of the digital divide
The availability of computers or the internet does not in itself determine who can access and use ICT services effectively.
A dimension that impacts the divide between those who have access to broadband internet access and those that do not have.
Access to broadband
relevant content that is understandable and useful to end user
Content and information
A dimension involving the use of a minimal set of skills to use information-seeking tools, to locate appropriate sources and retrieve useful information
Information literacy
Such as such as income, gender, life stage and geographic location
Socioeconomic factors
like electricity availability, affordable applications, affordable devices, …
Other factors
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Adapted from Bertot; Government Information Quarterly
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10. How is Namibia doing
WACS Upgrade 1 is almost completed. SAT-3 Upgrade is completed in 2013.
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11. Universal Backhauling
How is Namibia doing
Telecom Namibia provides access to IP and Data Services from Border to Border. One Network is used for all Data and IP Services.
Universal Backhauling
Network used for Access and Aggregation
High Speed Aggregation across the country
Increase of number of IP Access Points – Shorter Access improves quality and reliability
Customer driven Rollout with focus on:
Mobile Rollout
Government Institutions
Hospitals
Police
Educational institutions and libraries
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12. How is Namibia doing 10 Gbps Links STM 4 Links
Designated Regional Service Hubs are established to provide access to Government Intranet / Internet services within each of the 13 Regions with provision made to the 14th Region.
10 Gbps Links
STM 4 Links
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13. What should we do well Make Accurate Information
Available through targeted
research, for improved
- understanding
- decision making
- monitoring
User centric research - Academic Institutions
SCAN-ICT Namibia - NSA
Gap analysis project - CRAN
Build appropriate
Infrastructures to make
positive impact to the
unconnected sections of our
society
Appropriate end user devices
Appropriate communication infrastructure
Conventional power and renewable energy
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14. thank you Hiwilepo Laban Hiwilepo Telecom Namibia
Company website:
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