Intel to connect billion of Asians to global economy

By Darshana Abayasingha
Intel launched the World Ahead Programme with an aim to extend broadband access to developing countries. In partnership with public and private organisations, the company is driving WiMax broadband deployments to communities that were previously deemed impossible or too costly for carriers to connect. Intel hopes the World Ahead Programme would connect a billion children and adults to the Internet and to the rest of the world.

Intel’s Leighton Philips, Director World Ahead for the Asia Pacific Region was in Sri Lanka last week to address the South Asia Broadband Conference. His speech titled ‘Asia: 70 Per Cent Rural; New Insights To Commercial and Policy Models For Connecting The Next Billion’, touched on Intel’s efforts in the area of Accessibility under the programme, whilst posing some questions for the industry and policy-makers alike to think about.

Speaking exclusively to The Bottom Line, Leighton Philips said: “Whilst there is some hype about tele-centres (Internet Cafes), they are actually seen as failures. This has been the global experience, as it is not sustainable. These projects also have entrepreneurship focus, but revenue levels are far below what was envisaged. Tele-centres are a step to where we really want to go, but not necessarily the solution. Where we really want to go is toward literate individuals.”

Philips pointed out that the definition of literate should not necessarily be restricted to the ability to read and write or to comprehend. It should include that he and she is an informed individual with adequate or equal access to information as everyone else. Sri Lanka would be a good example to the contrary with 90 per cent plus literacy and a gross digital or information divide.

Intel’s World Ahead Programme is based on four points: Accessibility, Connectivity, Education and Content. These four pillars strive to provide the foundation for technology usage by extending broadband connectivity to prepare students for success in the global economy, whilst promoting locally relevant content.

Philips is of the view that locals are the best to provide relevant content to the focus groups. He envisages the creation of a domain for each target nation or community, to which content on local business, environment, and education could be added; serving as a large databank which is relevant and applicable to rural users.

“In terms of content it is better to have culturally aligned content, particularly when we’re talking Asia. Then we don’t have issues with intellectual property rights and so on as well. Individuals could contribute to a domain and this would serve as the databank, the content base, and that would be both cost-effective and relevant. Social networking could be an ideal tool. Local people can create the best content for rural users,” Philips stressed.

Hybrids
He remarked that governments too should get involved in providing content, adding that “hybrids” of governments and entrepreneurs are probably the best to see the implementation of such projects. Governments should also actively participate and promote the sale of spectrum to offer more coverage options, plus, language education, Philips said.

A number of initiatives are active in Sri Lanka funded by the private sector and international support agencies to connect rural Sri Lanka to the rest of the world, plus, more importantly to the rest of the country. Internet kiosks or ‘cafes’ is the popular option, which claims to bring connectivity and entrepreneurship to rural masses. The government’s ICT Agency recently opened its 400th ‘Nenasala’ tele-centre, which gives the public access to Internet and other communication options. The programme is operational in 23 districts.