Information Society Watch

Panos

The article looks at the potential of wireless technologies to bridge the digital divide and also the barriers to its growth in the less developed countries. The benefits of wireless networks, especially in the context of providing communication capabilities in rural areas, are enormous, especially in terms of infrastructure setup and maintenance which have been typically the chief hindrances to the spread of fixed line networks. Additionally it offers flexibility in its uses, with mobility being a key value proposition. The author presents a brief summary about the types of wireless networks currently in use and then discusses the role played by governments in aiding the widespread deployment of cost effective wireless networks. Frequency spectrum management, license fees, equipment import duties are some of the major issues that have limited the provision of low cost communication access in some of the African countries. In conclusion, innovative and forward-thinking policies are the need of the hour for the spread of wireless networks to provide communication services to the under-privileged people of the world.