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Tag Archive for: ICT4D

USAID’s GBI Program Leverages 150 Times Contract Value

Integra is implementing a leading edge technical assistance program designed to radically expand the availability of affordable broadband connections in rural areas worldwide. In partnership with USAID’s Global Broadband and Innovations (GBI) team, our approach has been to forge public-private partnerships that direct large sums of money toward creating a “broadband ecosystem” – a combination of infrastructure, service availability, and user capacity that ignites broadband growth. Our $3.25 million in contract spending has leveraged $493 million in public and private sector spending. Over the next 5 years, our clients will invest a further $13 billion in broadband network development and services. Read more

August 12, 2014/by actualize

Green Alternatives to Diesel Powered Mobile Base Stations

As cellular networks continue to expand throughout the developing world, mobile base stations are increasingly located in rural areas that are often difficult to reach and not connected to electrical grids. As a result, an estimated 640,000 base stations around the world are off-grid. Diesel generators power most of these, but other options exist. This article is the first in a series looking at the relationship between mobile networks and energy. In this entry we take a look at the issues of diesel power and near term possibilities for greener, more sustainable options. Read more

March 18, 2014/by actualize

Agriculture, Food Security & Rural Development, Areas of Expertise, Information and Communication Technology for Development, Integra News

Integra’s Eric White Interviewed at ICT4Ag 2013 in Kigali, Rwanda

Interview with Eric White, Managing Associate and Lead Economist, Integra Government Services International by the Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA) at ICT4Ag 2013. The conference, organized by CTA and the Rwandan Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI) was held at the Serena Hotel Conference Center in Kigali, November 4-8, 2013. Read more

November 18, 2013/by actualize

Integra News

Integra’s Eric White Featured in ICT Update, Issue No. 74

Featured in ICT Update’s Q&A entitled “Broadband Strategies”, Eric White answers some commonly asked, but seldom answered questions about providing connectivity to rural areas, business models that support it, and current trends in ICT policy. Read more

October 22, 2013/by actualize

Integra News

Integra to Organize Two Sessions for the ICT4Ag Conference in Rwanda, November 4-8

Integra LLC is thrilled to announce that we will be organizing two sessions at the ICT4Ag conference in Rwanda, November 4-8. Hosted by the Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA) and the Rwandan Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), the conference will bring together ICT experts from around the world in support of creating an enabling environment for ICT use in agricultural development. Read more …

August 9, 2013/by actualize

Areas of Expertise, Economic Growth, Information and Communication Technology for Development

Global Broadband is Speeding Up, Says latest “State of the Internet” Report

First Quarter, 2012 State of the Internet Report from Akamai

Photo Credit: Akamai http://www.akamai.com/stateoftheinternet/

The broadband revolution is proceeding apace across the globe as internet speed and adoption have increased at faster paces. The Akamai company recently released its First Quarter, 2012 State of the Internet report which discusses important global broadband statistics like internet penetration rates, mobile connection speeds, regional and global connection speeds, and broadband adoption among many others. The report, in addition to providing invaluable insight into global trends in broadband, also underscores the role broadband and mobile technologies can play in the future of development.

Thanks to an ever-increasing demand for connectivity in both developed and emerging economies the world has seen a dramatic rise. Broadband speed has increased to such an extend that Akamai has redefined what it calls “high-broadband.” Previously, any connection at speeds of 2Mbps or higher was defined as broadband, but now Akamai will consider connections of 4Mbps has broadband and connections of 10Mbps has high broadband.

For the first quarter of 2012, the report points out a series of trends:

A 6 percent global increase in the number of unique IP addresses to over 666 million in between fourth quarter 2011
A global average of peak connection speed of 13.5 Mbps
A global average connection speed of 2.6Mbps
A global average mobile connection speed range between 32.2 Mbps and 2.2 Mbps
A doubling in global mobile data traffic between the first quarters of 2011 and 2012
A global increase in adoption of high broadband

These statistics are certainly promising, especially when considered within the context of the increasingly important role broadband and mobile broadband can play in process of development. The global doubling of mobile broadband certainly lends itself to the existing forecasts of the increasing prominence and importance of smartphones in many developing countries as price wars continue to drive down device prices. All this, when added with the World Bank’s recent Maximizing Mobile report on harnessing mobile for development, adds up to a future full of potential, fueled by broadband.

As we move forward it is important that we remember these technologies are only as good as their connection. Many developing countries still have a pronounced rural/urban digital divide in both access and connectivity. If the potential of these technologies can be fully realized, it is crucial that policy makers commit reducing these gaps.

August 30, 2012/by actualize

Areas of Expertise, Information and Communication Technology for Development

“Maximizing Mobile” Report Eyes the Future of M4D

In 2008, Jeffrey Sachs said to the United Nations Millenium Project that “mobile phones and wireless internet end isolation, and will therefore prove to be the most transformative technology of economic development of our time.” Well, as the new World Bank report “Maximizing Mobile” shows, Sachs may not have been too far off the mark. However, despite the promising statistics there are still some daunting challenges in the field of m4d that must be overcome.

The report shows some very encouraging mobile statistics. Between 2000 and 2012, the number of mobile phones in use worldwide grew from less than 1 billion to over 6 billion (check out this great info-graphic). The number of mobile subscriptions in low and middle-income countries has increased by over 1,500 percent between the years 2000 and 2010, moving from 4 subscriptions per 100 people up to 72 subscriptions. Indeed, the mobile sector as a whole has become an increasingly significant economic force in developing economies, with mobile revenues as a proportion of gross national income (GNI), rising from 0.9 percent in 2000 to 1.5 percent in 2010.

Beyond statistics, the report points to some very interesting trends that must be kept in mind as we move forward in any mobile for development work. First and foremost, “Maximizing Mobile” marks a change in dynamics for the Bank’s approach to ICT: a shift away from its traditional supply-side focus on connectivity to a new demand-side focus on mobile applications and the ways ICTs are used. Indeed, the report posits that much of the industry is shifting from hardware to software and services – as it is no longer about the phone, but rather how the phones are used. Though true,

As for challenges, the report provides useful inside into the obstacles and constraints that mobile still faces. Generally, the most common constraints to the supply side of mobile service provision are a lack of available spectrum and inadequate backbone networks. The largest constraints on the demand side remain a lack of affordable mobile devices and broadband services, as well as a dearth of local applications and content available to users. The bank goes on to underscore the importance of partnership programs between government, business, and NGOs and the role they can play in surmounting these obstacles.

When it comes to content creation, no one is better placed to construct relevant and localized applications and services than those who need them. The Bank points out, quite rightly, that “new mobile applications that are designed locally and rooted in the realities of the developing world will be much better suited to addressing challenges than applications transplanted from elsewhere.” The report highlights the emerging trend of the crowdsourcing that has arisen out of social networking, increased connectivity and the subsequent demand that often results. Local content portals have been popping up all over the world in order to satisfy local demand for various types of news and information previously inaccessible. Indeed many mobile innovations (multi-sim card phones, low-cost recharges, mobile payments) increasingly originate in poorer countries.

There are many opportunities in the field as we move forward. Tapping into and fostering local talent for mobile application development is an important next step and should remain a priority, as use and development of smart phone applications is likely to rise as market pressures continue to drive down prices. Cross-sector partnerships between governments, firms, and NGOs will be necessary for creating the necessary solutions to both supply and demand-side obstacles. Sachs may very well have been correct, but we still have many challenges ahead before mobile’s full potential can be realized.

July 31, 2012/by actualize

Agriculture, Food Security & Rural Development, Areas of Expertise, Economic Growth, Environment & NRM, Information and Communication Technology for Development

Ambassador Verveer discusses “Women’s Economic Success and Global Growth”

Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues, Melanne Verveer. (Photo: US Dept of State)

On Monday, July 23, 2012 the Center for American Progress hosted Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues, Melanne Verveer for a discussion on “Women’s Economic Success and Global Growth.” Amb. Verveer’s talk focused on the crucial role women play in sustainable development and economic growth worldwide. US women generate $3.5 trillion yearly, and women’s employment in developing countries contributes more to the global economy than China. By 2050, women will control 2/3 of all spending worldwide. Noting that women traditionally spend their earnings in sectors that create a multiplier effect (i.e., health, education, food), Amb. Verveer emphasized the tremendous consumer power women will wield in global markets. She also highlighted growing research that shows how countries where women’s rights are more closely equal to those of men are more peaceful and prosperous than countries that ignore, marginalize or limit the role of women.

Amb. Verveer spoke of three main areas the State Department focuses on increasing the role and influence of women: Economic Empowerment, Women in Development, and Peace and Security. Within the Women in Development sector, three initiatives discussed fit squarely within Integra’s areas of expertise: Feed the Future (Agriculture), Global Climate Change Initiative (Environment) and mWomen (Information and Communications Technology).

Agriculture: Women are vital to agricultural development, often making up the majority of farmers in developing countries and the backbone of agriculture-based economies. FAO reports claim that if men and women farmers had equal access to credit, training, property rights and technical inputs, yields could improve 20 to 30 percent and the number of malnourished people worldwide could be reduced by 150 million people.

Environment: Women bear the burdens of climate change disproportionately more than men. Yet women are uniquely empowered to address climate change because of their central role in agriculture, forest management, and running the home (i.e., making crucial energy decisions as pertains to energy sources used in the home).

ICT4D: Increased technological access creates opportunities for financial security and independence. With mobile access, women are able to gain information about the current market, including data on pricing and weather systems, in addition to business insights and trainings, access to support networks, and the ability to transfer and save funds. “The significance of mobile technology cannot be underrated,” said Ambassador Verveer, who emphasized both the economic and social value of mobile technology. While 350 million women still do not have access to cell phones, the State Department is working to bridge this gap in connectivity through various initiatives, including the GSMA mWomen initiative. mWomen is committed to reducing this gender gap in connectivity by 50%.

In each development sector highlighted, Ambassador Verveer reiterated that gender equality is not only smart economics, but in line with US values and “a moral imperative of the 21^st Century.” While the State Department and USAID continue to add gender guidance components to trainings and major international initiatives, true change will only be achieved once gender equality becomes institutionalized and integrated across all bureaus. Women’s rights need to be viewed as human rights essential to fostering economic growth, social stability and a more peaceful prosperity worldwide.

To view full event video, click here. To read Ambassador Verveer’s article on “Why Women Are a Foreign Policy Issue,” click here.

July 27, 2012/by actualize

Areas of Expertise, Information and Communication Technology for Development

9 Things to Consider when Planning a National Broadband Strategy (NBS)

Photo Credit: Danny Morgan

National Broadband Strategies (NBSs) are becoming a necessity for each nation nowadays considering the immerse benefit of such policies or strategies or plans to unlock the full potential of the broadband network and maintain an open Internet. As a result, a NBS should be seen as a social contract to develop the industry base within any country. It should aim at bringing about a stronger foundation for effective governance, private investment and more active citizenship, leading to a desirable social and economic future.

Below are the 9 points distilled from the World Bank’s Broadband Strategies Handbook and another Conference Paper by Prabir K. Neogi and Rekha Jain that reviews some national broadband strategies.

1) A National Broadband Strategy (NBS) should take an Ecosystem Approach by considering both the demand and supply of broadband: This must include a) Networks – by creating the environment to reduce barriers for international connectivity, domestic backbones, metropolitan connectivity, and local connectivity; b) Services – by providing broadband services to schools, government agencies, etc.; c) Applications – by making available e-applications and content (local) creation; d) Users – by considering Customer Premise Equipments (CPEs) and Personal Computers (PCs), and digital literacy.

2) In order for the ordinary citizen to benefit from broadband investments, a NBS of any country should aim at having the greatest economic impact on the country: This could be achieved by creating and making available broadband-enabled services and applications; and then building the capacity of users to use the broadband-enabled services and applications in a productive and efficient way.

3) NBS should describe the broadband supply chain from a topological perspective: Such a topology should take into consideration a) The international, regional, national, and local connectivity and access deployment solutions; b) The technologies for each of these segments – fiber optics, satellite, microwave, mobile wireless, and traditional copper wire; and c) The implementation issues associated with these technologies – open access, quality of service, and spectrum constraints.

4) NBS should describe demand in order to make broadband services available to the users: By clearly defining the private and public sector roles to facilitate adoption after the networks are created; go beyond the market demand to reach where demand is stifled because consumers are not aware of the benefits of broadband; where broadband is not affordable; and where broadband is not attractive or relevant to potential users.

5) NBS should aim at building the capacity of users: The presence of broadband services without the capacity of the citizens to use them may be a waste of investment. Hence capacity for citizens, businesses, and government should be build to understand, learn, and apply broadband benefits and capabilities across the economy and society: Absorptive capacity in the areas of the economy’s macroeconomic environment; the business environment; the quality of human capital; and the governance structure are key for consideration.

6) Stages of NBS: NBS should be design to include three stages: a) Promotion stage when the market is incipient and the aim will be to promote the build-out of broadband networks, encourage the use of broadband services and applications, explore options for funding the development of the strategy and address issues associated with measuring the effectiveness of policies designed b) Oversight stage will key as competition begins to drive growth. The traditional legal and regulatory frameworks need reforms in order to address supply and demand issues with convergence of the technologies. Government’s role in creating the environment for oversight through competition policy, guard against monopolistic, oligopolistic, and unfair practices and regulate essential facilities. c) Universalization stage comes as the market matures. The role of governments is needed when market mechanisms do not meet goals for broadband access and use. This can be done through universal service and access programs. Government should also narrow or eliminate gaps between markets and the country’s development needs to allow for private-led competitive markets.

7) Scale and scope of the strategy: NBS should be seen as a component of a larger, long-term phased national economic plan for the adoption and use of ICTs to improve competitiveness and productivity. Countries such as Australia has taken a comprehensive national strategy approach that is rather supported by all levels of government. Others also have a standalone or ad hoc programs at various levels of government, to improve broadband connectivity in rural and remote areas.

8) Duration of the broadband strategy: A NBS should be developed in such as way that it is not too long that technology solutions might have radically changed, but covers a longer time frame than electoral cycles in most countries. Example of short/medium term initiatives, such as 2-3 year programs of the U.S. DOC/NTIA $4.2 billion Broadband Technology Opportunities Program/BTOP), funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. On the other hand, the Australian National Broadband Network (NBN) initiative and the Federal Communications Commission’s proposed National Broadband Plan are long term strategies extending over 5-10 years.

9) Funding and implementation model: NBS should consider the degree and nature of public sector funding and support such as direct funding, loan guarantees, targeted tax incentives. In most cases, governments are provide one-time, up front capital grants to fund the deployment of the broadband infrastructure. But the main challenge is with the provision of continuing subsidies for the ongoing operation of the network facilities which mostly may be the function of the private sector. The model of greatest interest is the Public-Private Partnership (PPP), with joint ownership of the deployed infrastructure as seen in Singapore, Australian NBN, and New Zealand.

In conclusion, there is no ‘one size fit all’ for National Broadband Strategies but a good NBS should have the following key characteristics:

a) Be forward looking to keep up with the pace at which technology is being developed

b) Become a permanent fixture of economic development and the embodiment of a shared vision

c) Be resilient to the checks and balances brought about by politics

d) Be endorsed by all policy-makers at the time of conception

e) Demarcate respective roles of public and private sector participation, and the potential for partnerships

f) Should contribute to demand through e-services, expertise centers, government services online, and capacity building.

Note: Key points in this post were distilled from the: The World Bank’s Broadband Strategies Handbook, edited by Tim Kelly and Carlos Maria Rossotto (2012) in preparation for the release of Broadband Strategy Toolkit as done for Telecom Regulation and National Broadband Strategies: and A Comparative Review and Possible Lessons for Developing Countries by Prabir K. Neogi and Rekha Jain (2011/12), presented in a conference in India, February 2012.

July 9, 2012/by actualize

Africa, Areas of Expertise, Economic Growth, Information and Communication Technology for Development, Where we work

Massive New Submarine Cable to Bring High-Speed Broadband Access to West Africa

Bandwidth problems in West Africa may soon become a thing of the past when the Africa Coast to Europe (ACE) broadband submarine cable comes online this December. The US$700 million will interconnect a total of 23 countries in Europe and West Africa, including two Integra and GBI clients, Nigeria and Ghana. This massive infrastructure project aims to bring high-speed broadband internet to these developing countries in order to reduce the digital divide and serve as “a vector of social development and economic growth in Africa.”

Led by the France Telecom company, this broadband system will extend over 17,000 km to from Brittany in France to Cape Town in South Africa. Parts of Europe and 16 West African countries will be interconnected by the submarine cable. Connectivity will extend even to the landlocked nations of Mali and Niger who will be connected via their own terrestrial links.

The cable itself has an initial 1.92 terabytes per second (Tb/s) capacity that can be upgraded to a whopping 5.12 Tb/s. ACE will use cutting edge fiber optic technology developed by Alcatel-Lucent that offers a higher quality of high-speed broadband than satellite at a lower cost. Utilizing new wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM)technology, the ACE stations can be upgraded without any actual modifications to the cable itself. This is a significant increase in the broadband capacity for these countries. Gambia for example, is estimated to have an increase in capacity by a factor of 16.

Increasing bandwidth capacity is crucial for enabling increased broadband penetration rates within a county. In 2011, the Broadband Commission for Digital Development issued a report that identified broadband as a “tool of unprecedented power” in helping countries meet the millennial development goals in 2015. Additionally, a report from the World Bank showed that a 10% increase in broadband penetration in developing economies correlates with a 1.38% contribution to economic growth. With ACE online, West Africa will be able to access a plethora of new opportunities.

June 25, 2012/by actualize

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