Connectivity [Re: Determining MW4D Core Values]

Have been a passive observer/reader of the mails so far.

Ken's pdf on the core Values and Assumptions has already been 
semantically nit-picked, but there is an issue with 'Connectivity'. Hope 
its not been discussed earlier...Its to do with  'technology solutions 
and analysis needs to focus around GSM network technology'. Why? Can it 
not be network technology agnostic?

In India one of the networks mostly embraced by semi-urban and rural 
users (or BOP users as is termed) is run by Reliance, on CDMA. Likewise 
another network that has made inroads with BOP users is by Tata Indicom, 
another CDMA player. Price (and connectivity offered) are major issues 
why they have been well received by BOP users.

In any case, I feel that with the objective of the group being 
'solutions' for social development using the mobile web (over SMS, 
GPRS/CDMA X/EDGE/3G, Voice, etc), it need not be anchored to a network 
technology.

Your thoughts please.....

Thanks,
Bipin


Stephane Boyera wrote:
>
>
>> b) says "The three key providers of services are NGOs, government, and
>> entrepreneurs/ the private sector".  This does not leave
>> anybody out, so what's the point of stating the obvious?
>
> well perhaps we need to be a bit more clear.
> It is essential imho to list the three major providers, because each 
> of them have specific needs and challenges so it is three completly 
> different view points to consider.
> just an example: ngo needs software and probably technical training
> government needs systems that could address country level issues.
> entrepreneurs are looking for service to sell, yet another set of 
> constraints coming in.
> More over the status is quite different: ngo believes in mobile but 
> most of the time lack expertise and tools. Government are overlooking 
> the mobile platform.
> So i believe this is three different view points to consider
>
> Stephane
>

Received on Monday, 18 August 2008 13:22:26 UTC