Comments on: Microsoft backs mobiles to access Internet http://lirneasia.net/2006/01/microsoft-backs-mobiles-to-access-internet/ a regional ICT policy and regulation think tank active across the Asia Pacific Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:34:12 +0000 hourly 1 By: Sanjana Hattotuwa http://lirneasia.net/2006/01/microsoft-backs-mobiles-to-access-internet/comment-page-1/#comment-7049 Sanjana Hattotuwa Mon, 13 Feb 2006 07:02:51 +0000 http://www.lirneasia.net/2006/01/microsoft-backs-mobiles-to-access-internet/#comment-7049 I've been talking with some in Microsoft about the need to look at mobiles in disaster relief in general, but in peace processes and what's called Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) in particular. Some articles in support of my arguments are to be found on InfoShare's website - www.info-share.org and in a recent blog post of mine - hellsdireagent.blogsome.com/2006/01/27/comments-on-un-ict-for-peacebuilding-report/. Sadly, it's only when a behemoth such as Microsoft takes notice of what we have submitted through research and practice for years that things move ahead ! Also note that the link in this post takes you to a NY Times Select article - which one needs to subscribe to read in full. Any ideas on how to get full text, even via email, would be greatly appreciated. I’ve been talking with some in Microsoft about the need to look at mobiles in disaster relief in general, but in peace processes and what’s called Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) in particular. Some articles in support of my arguments are to be found on InfoShare’s website – http://www.info-share.org and in a recent blog post of mine – hellsdireagent.blogsome.com/2006/01/27/comments-on-un-ict-for-peacebuilding-report/.

Sadly, it’s only when a behemoth such as Microsoft takes notice of what we have submitted through research and practice for years that things move ahead !

Also note that the link in this post takes you to a NY Times Select article – which one needs to subscribe to read in full. Any ideas on how to get full text, even via email, would be greatly appreciated.

]]> By: Grace Mirandilla http://lirneasia.net/2006/01/microsoft-backs-mobiles-to-access-internet/comment-page-1/#comment-7048 Grace Mirandilla Tue, 31 Jan 2006 04:11:31 +0000 http://www.lirneasia.net/2006/01/microsoft-backs-mobiles-to-access-internet/#comment-7048 It is unfortunate that a lot of politicking is involved in helping poor nations get connected. In countries like the Philippines that are know for good programs but poor execution, many computerization programs have either been lagging behind target results or stalled because of lack of full support from private sectors. there are efforts to use cellular broadband technology for internet use here although the backbone infrastructure, as far as i know, is controlled by a monopoly, who still dictates who gets connected or not. I'd like to hear followup news/comments on this. Hi to everyone at LIRNE! :) It is unfortunate that a lot of politicking is involved in helping poor nations get connected. In countries like the Philippines that are know for good programs but poor execution, many computerization programs have either been lagging behind target results or stalled because of lack of full support from private sectors. there are efforts to use cellular broadband technology for internet use here although the backbone infrastructure, as far as i know, is controlled by a monopoly, who still dictates who gets connected or not. I’d like to hear followup news/comments on this.

Hi to everyone at LIRNE! :)

]]> By: goswami http://lirneasia.net/2006/01/microsoft-backs-mobiles-to-access-internet/comment-page-1/#comment-7047 goswami Mon, 30 Jan 2006 12:20:46 +0000 http://www.lirneasia.net/2006/01/microsoft-backs-mobiles-to-access-internet/#comment-7047 High Internet costs in developing countries are definitely a big barrier for utilizing the $100 laptops to their full potential. However, as Negroponte points out, the laptops can connect to each other to form a mesh network. Villages equipped with the laptops can not only communicate to neighboring villages but even to far-flung villages that are at the edges of the network. I am wondering if someone who knows more about ad hoc networks can comment on whether one can create an ubiquitous network if enough laptops are dispersed in a region without using any other backbone infrastructure. Is there a finite capacity of the wireless bandwidth beyond which throwing more laptops may bring traffic down to a crawl between the laptops. High Internet costs in developing countries are definitely a big barrier for utilizing the $100 laptops to their full potential. However, as Negroponte points out, the laptops can connect to each other to form a mesh network. Villages equipped with the laptops can not only communicate to neighboring villages but even to far-flung villages that are at the edges of the network. I am wondering if someone who knows more about ad hoc networks can comment on whether one can create an ubiquitous network if enough laptops are dispersed in a region without using any other backbone infrastructure. Is there a finite capacity of the wireless bandwidth beyond which throwing more laptops may bring traffic down to a crawl between the laptops.

]]>