Affordable Access to Internet and ICT

Abstract

Telecentres were conceived and designed in order to provide internet access to designated disadvantaged groups that could not otherwise afford this access. In this chapter, the concept of telecentres, with its goal of affordable internet access for the community, is introduced. A few of the common challenges faced by telecentres and their evolving business models are discussed. The problem of monitoring, with its related aspect of affordability is discussed. In order to provide uniform data on usage and user profiles, a common set of data attributes for telecentre operational monitoring is obtained through a literature review of telecentre data collection projects and through interviews with local telecentre managers. Traditional monitoring methods for telecentres, such as through questionnaires, are evaluated as to the timeliness of their data and their associated cost which impact telecentre affordability. The common set of attributes form the basis of an electronic monitoring system with its advantages of continuous data collection and lower costs.