[Chapter-delegates] ISOC at WSIS Blog

[Alan Levin]

Hi Alex and others,

On 26 Sep 2005, at 3:36 PM, Alex Gakuru wrote:

> I am glad to note our ISOC ambassadors have kept their focus on the
> unconnected individual, and the problems facing the connected one.
>

Regards the 'unconnected individual' and for your interest...

We have experienced some backlash from our first Internet Fiesta in  
March. Subsequent to the fiesta (fully reported at our website at  
http://isoc.org.za/fiesta) we heard some rumours that the local  
community was unhappy with the outcome. Initially they would not meet  
with us but after a couple months they finally agreed. When we were  
there, we were confronted with a barrage of complaints. Basically  
they were so impressed by the Internet access they experienced at the  
Fiesta, that they were equally unimpressed with the fact that there  
is no way that they can afford it.

Initially we considered a few routes and communicated to them for  
follow up:
- The Universal Service Agency (government) have a programme where  
they install telecentres
- The local government installs free internet at all libraries
- The Provincial (state) government provides free computer labs at  
schools
- There are start-up entrepreneurs that set-up internet cafe's
so in fact that there are many government programs that establish  
cheap or free access for poor communities, as well private sector  
opportunities.

We also considered that a Fiesta objective was to create demand and  
establish broader support - from those who are still unconnected -  
for telecoms liberalisation (deregulation and/or competition).

Unfortunately it's resulted in accusations that all we did was  
'tease' these poor people, by showing them the wonderful world of  
technology, even though they cannot afford it. Unfortunately all the  
options above are not going to just materialise or do not provide  
them with a real solution. Which in turn has understandably  
demotivated our volunteers who spent hundreds of hours assisting with  
the fiesta.

Having said this, we've come up with a plan to deal with this and  
we're still planning on doing another 50 fiestas over the next three  
years. Considering 75% of our population has never had an internet  
experience, I thought it would be interesting to hear.

If you're interested in reading more about the facts (a few short  
current articles show that we're still under a monopoly for all data  
connectivity and now have some of the most expensive prices by many  
fold). I'm quoted here: http://www.businessday.co.za/articles/ 
national.aspx?ID=BD4A92253

But our government keeps saying:
"We must modernise the telecommunications sector, and achieve the  
best for all South Africans in terms of choice, quality, innovation  
and value for money,” and “This is essential to promote a competitive  
economy and achieve the target growth rate of 6%. Effective and  
competitive telecommunications services must be available to all.”
see http://www.businessday.co.za/articles/national.aspx?ID=BD4A96210
and not doing anything about it....

warm regards,

Alan