[wsfii-discuss] Need an example of a democratic , decentralized community based ICT in rural India

Wed Jan 10 13:06:41 UTC 2007

Hi Daniel,
    The report is a bit dated. but still makes a very interesting read.
Unfortunately of the 10 projects compared, only 3 are still operating. All
due to strong backing of the promoter partners. on pure financially self
sustainable basis none make it to the mark. Unike well endowed countries
like Australia/ NZ /Canada who can afford to cross subsidies due to larger
public good is just impossible to pursue in debt ridden countries in Africa
& Asia.  while problems are many, The content & connectivity issues are akin
to chicken & egg situation as what comes first ?.   In my IMHO, low cost
last mile connectivity particularly wifi mesh what we all are talking hold
tremendous promise.

Best wishes

Ashish
http://www.apiap.org


> Hey Ram
>
> Have a look at the freeman institute. The prepared a report about rural
> wireless projects and give examples. Maybe you ll find what you search
> for in there.
>
> http://fsi.stanford.edu/publications/enabling_ict_for_rural_india_2005/
>
> Greetz
>
> Daniel
>
> ramnarayan.k at gmail.com wrote:
> > Hi
> >
> > Need a example (and links too) of any ICT based rural community centre
> > (In India (or South Asia) - that is functional and operational that
> > a. Have an active involvement of the community
> > b. Have an active and positive invovlement of the local government and
> > provide government services (ha ha !!)
> > c. Are sustainable
> > d. Are part of a larger network
> > e. Provide a multitude of services - DTP, communications, information
> > services
> >
> > If this is being utopian, will make do with any example that meets any
> > of the criteria and others that you may want to add.
> >
> >
> > will much appreciate any links and pointers
> >
> > regards
> > ram
> >