Tuesday, May 09, 2006

Week 8 Reading

"Wireless Revolution and Universal Access" from Trends in Telecommunications Reform 2003 by Michael L. Best, MIT makes an interesting point about "hotspots" emerging at fast food restaurants, coffee shops and airports:
"While the concept of a wireless hotspot inside a fast food restaurant is unlikely to conjure images of enhanced universal access, Wi-Fi and related terrestrial wireless technologies have actually been used to build network “infrastructure,” such as the point-to-point and point-to-multipoint links discussed above."
It's unlikely that the rise of these "hotspots" can lead to universal access, though it is a step in the right direction.

The article shows that it is possible for small, entrepreneurial rural service providers to employ low cost wireless connectivity to achieve financially sustainable operations. This is good news for rural countries to connect and seems succssful for those companies that are bringing wireless to small, undeveloped nations.

1. How essential is wireless internet in you life?

2. Do you take the internet for granted? Explain.

3. Describe some experiences using the internet in other countries.

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