They also underscored that the Internet access should be provided even before the country get connected to the information superhighway through submarine cable. Easier Internet access will help promote the use of e-government services, farmers can have access to market information and the youths can explore educational experience and employment generating activities, they said.
The three-day workshop on 'Nationwide Internet access & online applications' began in the city under the auspices of Alexandria Research Institute (ARI).
The workshop aims to find out ways to provide sustainable and affordable Internet access to the people of Bangladesh and other developing countries at a large scale.
Experts from home and other countries, including Canada, India, Nepal, Singapore, Thailand and the United States, are taking part in the workshop sponsored by the US National Science Foundation, the UNDP, BRAC University, Grameen Cyber Society and Jobs, a USAID project.
Keynote speaker Prof. Saifur Rahman of ARI said, "About 90 percent people of the country could be served with as few as 25 towers with multiple base stations using Wireless Local Loop or 802.16 technology."
The 802.16 technology delivers true broadband speed wireless connection.
Posts and Telecommunications Secretary Faruq Ahmad Siddiqi said the government is committed to providing Internet access to all citizens.
Larry Maramis, deputy resident representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), McDonald C. Homer of USAID and Ghulam Mohiuddin of Grammen Cyber Society also spoke.
Quelle: The Daily Star, 23.05.2004
