Achieving Sustainable

Access Solutions

5th International Conference on Open Access 2007

Adapted Consulting:Laura Drewett

Objectives

Grassroots approach Unique ways to satisfy

community’s needs for information and communication in a sustainable way

Community by community Process to help villages get

access to ICT where infrastructure is lacking

Specific case studies

Sustainability Myths

Only focus on technology for access to ICT

Business model definitionTerm business model

implies commercialityOne preferred solution

works in all communities Sustainability has the

same definition for all people

Approach to Sustainability

Devising Sustainable ModelsCreate Vision for Access

What is your purpose? Who do you serve? How do you serve them?

Evaluate Community Demand Who are potential users? What are their needs?

Analyze Competition Who is offering similar services or

substitutes?

Approach to Sustainability (cont’d)

Devising Sustainable Models Research Regulatory

Environment Licensing/Regulations

Determine Initial and Recurring Costs

What does it cost to start? What does it cost to continue?

Assess Internal Strengths and Weaknesses

What do you do well? What could be improved?

Determine Services and Products

How are you going to satisfy the needs?

Vanga, Bandundu DR Congo-Kinshasa

Shared Wireless Network:Vanga, DR Congo-Kinshasa

Pharmacy

Pharmacy Local NGO

Telecenter

CT Brothers

Hospital

MAF

Reasons the Shared Solution Works in Vanga Several organizations have need for Internet

access and are capable of paying for it No other alternatives for Internet access One organization in the village (MAF) has the

capacity and willingness to manage several aspects of the network’s operations including: the billing and payment collection technical maintenance general business operations of the entire network

Regulatory system that permits wireless sharing No licensing for 2.4GHz

DakNet and Cybertigi Mali – Asynchronous Connectivity

Factors for Success of DakNet and Cybertigi Mali Integrate both mobile access and franchise models to bring

value to people in remote villages. Franchise organization must exist to provide financial and

institutional support, including: initial funds working capital for certain recurring costs, advice on start-up practices, management training, standardized processes, reporting mechanisms, marketing tools.

Highly motivated and dynamic individual in the village, with the appropriate skills to manage a business and willingness to accept certain requirements of the franchise organization

Entrepreneur needs to have access to financial resources Sufficient demand for information and communication Few competitors in the community

Conclusions

There is NOT one single solution to access ICT in every community.

Every community has unique characteristics.

Sufficient analysis must be conducted/process followed to determine the most sustainable solution in your community.