This article explores the importance of portable satellite equipment for communication for development efforts in remote areas. In it, Gregg Swanson characterises portable BGAN (broadband global area network) terminals as an 'internet café in a backpack'. Specifically, the portable BGAN terminal connects to a system of 3 communication satellites to transfer data and voice through its own built-in antenna. Together, the satellites cover almost 98% of the Earth's surface, which means that - almos more...

'Through the use of computers and other electronic devices at 10 remote interstate border check posts in Gujarat, India, a team of savvy public officials have reduced corruption and significantly increased the state's road tax revenue.'

'In 2005 International Finance Corporation (IFC's) private enterprise partnership (PEP) business enabling environment (BEE) project launched an internet portal to improve small medium enterprise (SME) access to information on regulatory procedures for Belarusian entrepreneurs. In less than two years the portal has not only become the most popular business portal in Belarus but also proved it an effective tool for facilitating cooperation with state officials. To improve the entrepreneurs' access more...

Ghana’s Information Communications Technology (ICT) sector has registered one of the most significant growth rates in Africa.

The Government of Ghana’s (GoG) proactive policy and regulatory interventions, combined with support from the World Bank Group and other development partners, has resulted in a competitive and vibrant industry, with more than $ US$157 million private investment in the sector between 2000 and 2005 (Source: PPI Database).

This has translated into a telephone penet more...

The Knowledge Economy Project has been selected by the European Commission as one of the five medal winners of the e-Inclusion Awards 2008 (http://ec.europa.eu/einclusion) in the Geographic Inclusion category that recognizes contributions for overcoming the disadvantages of living in remote areas and bringing together communities of interest over a very large region.(http://www.e-inclusionawards.eu)Source(s): The World Bank

IICD’s health projects are principally aimed at improving the health of populations in small urban centres and remote rural areas through ICT. It is predominantly in these areas, where a vicious circle of poor health, inequality and social exclusion prevent people from participating in other aspects of society that can improve their quality of life. Improving health in the community, rural access to resources and the qualitative improvement of basic medical services that are needed to tackle t more...

IICD’s education projects are primarily focussed on enhancing the competencies of the teacher, improving the quality of learning materials, developing young people’s learning skills and an overall improvement of the learning process through ICT.

Operating through partnerships with international organisations, government agencies, ministries, schools, teachers, civil society organisations and the private sector, IICD has worked to develop and implement programmes that incorporate a broad more...

Using ICTs strategies for Socio-Economic development through digital technologies and Internet network currently can play a leading role in improving livelihood opportunities for people who are living in poverty and especially in rural areas. Taking into consideration the needs of life in rural areas and identifying the most important priorities through studies, survey, and practical research, All of these points must be very carefully, included a series of important considerations that can be e more...

A scheme for setting up information and facilitation counters (IFCs) in central ministries/departments was launched with great fanfare in India in 1997. Since then 105 IFCs have been set up. Many states and districts too have set up IFCs, which are also called as Enquiry Counter or May I Help You Counters or Reception, etc. However they are not very much helpful to visiting citizens. Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) organised a workshop on February 18, 2008 on R more...

Mobile phones are the success story of bridging the rural digital divide, bringing tangible economic benefits and acting as agents of social mobilization through improved communication. But what are the real challenges that face reaching rural areas, and what are some of today’s most beneficial applications that can help these rural communities, specifically regarding agriculture development?
This Forum will examine the challenges that rural communities face in enhancing the benefits of mobi more...