Message-ID: <005001bed1c2$a7956900$135031d4@maf.or.ke> Date: Mon, 19 Jul 1999 11:42:36 +0300 From: Brian <mailto:brian.longwe@MAF-EUROPE.ORG> Subject: Re: UNDP proposal on taxing Internet To: mailto:DEVEL-L@AMERICAN.EDU
In countries such as Kenya where the teledensity is about 1%, the reach of the Internet is being multiplied through the use of telecentres and bureaus which serve communities of users.In some areas, one phone line with an "internet-enabled" computer can serve up to 150 people.
The "cyber-cafe" concept that is more of a gimmick in some of the more developed countries is actually a very useful tool in countries such as Kenya.
I say this to show that teledensity does not *have* to be a limiting factor in the distribution of the internet.
I think the UNDP proposal is great but seriously doubt whether government controlled telcos would support it.
Brian Longwe Nairobi, Kenya Dep. Secretary East African Internet Association
> can be used only with a phone and most developing countries
> have a phone
> density of just one or two percent.