Once upon a time, a very long time ago, before even Google or mobile phones and long before Facebook, there was just the Internet. And folk who created the Internet and its early users were filled with wonder at its potential. They foresaw a day when there would be true equality of opportunity because everyone would have access to knowledge, access to markets, and true democracy would reign as everyone had a voice in governance.
For those working in the complex world of International Development trying to bring about more equality in the world, through means misguided or otherwise, information and communication technologies (ICTs) seemed to offer tremendous potential to accelerate positive change in the world. And so new aid programs were born that attempted to catalyse development activities through the use of ICTs.
As the Internet optimists had foreseen, ICTs turned out to be very useful for everyone, even and most especially the poor. But where there is utility, there is money and the communication infrastructure business soon became a multi-billion dollar industry. Technology companies rapidly outpaced development efforts and soon mobile phone infrastructure had spread across the developing world.
Slightly embarrassed by their own efforts, development agencies leapt on board with mobile and Internet companies to partner in bringing access to the developing world. A beautiful public private partnership was born. Sounds great doesn’t it? Everyone go to Davos.
What is missing from this picture is the fact that large technology companies are not in the business of saving the world. They are in the business of serving their shareholders. And that means that the story they tell the world about their involvement in the developing world, is one that serves their shareholders. What do I mean by “story they tell”? Narrative is the basic unit of human thought and everything we do is constructed in the context of a story that we tell ourselves and that we tell others about what is happening in the world and what our role is in it. Some years ago I was introduced to a beautiful quotation from Alasdair Macintyre (thank you Steve Denning) that has stuck with me:
“unless we have the critical tools to understand in which story we stand, our praxis runs the risk of prolonging not only the problem but the problem story. Often a problem will be solved only by dissolving the story”
In other words, if you don’t know whether your Hamlet or Rosencrantz or in King Lear or The Comedy of Errors, there is little chance of you successfully changing your role or the outcome of the story.
Corporations have been known to occasionally deviate from the very strictest truth in the stories they tell in order to serve their corporate interests. An energy company might de-emphasise the danger of certain kinds of energy sources because of the vast profits to be made from them. A mining company might obscure the provenance of minerals sourced from a conflict zone. Otherwise upright corporations pay bribes where there is a lot of money to be made and an opportunity to do so without getting caught. Where there is a lot of money on the table, corporations tend to act first in the interest of their bottom line.
And there is a lot of money in the world of telecommunications and the Internet. Carlos Slim didn’t get to be the richest man in the world by baking cakes. This turns out to be a problem because communication networks, thanks to the magic of network effects, naturally tend toward monopolies or at least oligopolies. This makes it much easier for communications corporations to extract more than their fair share of revenue from the average customer. Why do they do this? Because they can, because it is what they exist to do, to maximise profits for their shareholders.
This is not about the developing world in particular. It is true in the U.S. and Canada. For an insight into the U.S. watch this chilling talk by Susan Crawford about the state of broadband infrastructure. Communication companies have the chips stacked in their favour and absolutely require regulation in order to counter-balance the natural tendency toward monopoly.
When it comes to the developing world however there is an amazing dearth of critical discussion about the narrative put forward by communication companies. Development agencies treat these corporations as if they were their friends. They are not your friends. They may have temporarily aligned interests but they are not your friends. They may be staffed by excellent and well-meaning people but their collective interest, nay their responsibility, is to their bottom line and it is frankly amazing that development agencies have managed to maintain an apparent state of willful naivete for such a long time.
This obliviousness leads to pretty dubious activities like the funding of “mobile apps for development”. Oh sweet saffron, how the mobile operators must have chuckled when they heard that one. Honestly, they don’t need your help. Curiously there is little funding going into supporting good policy and regulation of telecom and Internet markets in the developing world, to ensuring real competition and fair pricing. There are some stand-out exceptions but they are just that, exceptions.
So when the ITU develops a global next generation broadband strategy and it fails to mention WiFi, do you think it might be because mobile corporations have an interest in promoting their own infrastructure rather? Do you think that when Google launches a campaign to Save the Internet that it is altruism or self-interest? When Facebook offers free access on mobile phones, is that because they care about the poor? Please don’t get me wrong, I am not some whining lefty moaning about how corporations are evil. Corporations are lovely. Google, in particular, in serving its corporate interest of having more bits consumed globally is in a position to do some very useful disruptive things in both the rich and poor worlds. Disruptive corporations in particular are lovely as they pry out the roots that monopolistic corporations dig in the ground. However, they are still not your friend. They need to be watched and called to account when they behave badly, especially when a big fat pile of money is on the table. And this is what the international development community is signally failing to do.
So what’s the tl;dr? Fewer apps and more support for ICT policy and regulation, please. It’s not sexy, it takes a long time, and often it fails to succeed against the massive advantage that huge communication corporations have. But it is where a more ICTD support should be going. Naturally I speak with a degree of self-interest. Simply making WiFi and VoIP legal everywhere would be a big leg-up for Village Telco. Where would I be without my own little corporate narrative? 🙂
Original image courtesy Philip Martin.
This comment is from Olof Hesselmark (Senior Consultant at Scanbi-Invest HB)
Well written, Steve. Regulation is needed, but how do you ensure that the goals of the regulators are aligned with those of the people?
The mobile operators in Africa are tremendous investors, and the curious thing is that they are not bringing in much foreign capital for their investments. No, all is financed by the revenues generated by their customers. The African public love the mobile services, and they are willing to pay for them. Voice coverage is now universal everywhere except in Eritrea and a few very remote areas. The next investment wave has started, and in five years mobile broadband will be everywhere. Voice-only-phones will be replaced by smartphones, and Bingo!, the networks are ready to deliver the full spectrum of internet based services. Even this will be market driven, with ITU, WSIS and financing organizations left far behind as spectators. The African public are willing to pay for new services, and if some uses are frivolous like Facebook and Instagram, the networks will be open for all the useful things too. The cool thing is that the Facebook users will pay for the infrastructure without knowing that they pay for future e-services as well!
The networks already provide money transaction services, and soon the banks are not needed for P2P or P2B transactions. The web has already free access to enormous amounts of educational material. Networks, smart phones and tablets have completely wrecked all existing “cost of ownership” calculations for computers in schools. Cloud services remove the need for own storage and backup. Services like small business (and local government) accounting move from own, vulnerable systems to web and cloud based services. The networks provide the basic infrastructure, and the more people use them, the more revenues they get. And if the network owners are greedy and try to restrict usage, they will see their revenues shrink.
It is interesting to see how the relative cost of systems are changing. Business systems like SAP are still horrendously expensive dinosaurs, but in Africa very few organizations need them. Small, flexible and web based systems for school admin, hospitals, local government, commerce etc. are coming. They will be easy to use and to implement, and most organizations will do without expensive IT specialists. Thousands of Android apps will simplify many small tasks, and everyone will of course use email.
You mention wifi, and I agree that wifi will be important. To serve everything via the 3G networks will be too expensive, but locally, wifi will be the technology to use within an office, home or school. The only thing you need is a computer or tablet with a data SIM card, and then you have your private wifi network. You know, every smart phone has wifi built-in, and my iPhone happily doubles as a wifi server. I used this recently on holiday abroad. We had one data SIM card, shared it over 4 people and saved a lot. It is possible that the penny hasn’t dropped yet with some regulators, but if they want to block wifi (it is probably Skype they don’t like) they will have to ban smart phones and all computers.
The mobile operators are now busy carving out their business models for 3G data services. Prices are dropping all over Africa as network capacity is added. As you know best yourself, bandwidth is flooding the African market through the sea cables, pushing prices much lower than expected. The business will sort itself out, more competitive markets will get better prices, but the trend is down.
So even if the mobile wolves may seem big and ugly, it is better to follow them and make the best of the services they offer. This kind of new infrastructure services have always been profitable. But it was the cheap coal shipped on the English canals in the 19th century that set the economy in motion. The canal business model was first passenger traffic, but that was wrong. The coal cargoes made the money. Canal owners became rich for a bit, but they soon lost out to the rail networks. For now, the mobile networks are delivering the vehicles for development to Africa. So just pay for it and enjoy the miracle they bring.
Hi Olof,
You have put your finger on the essence of my ambiguity about mobile operators. In many ways, they are just like the robber barons of the 19th century. The robber barons built railroads which, as you say, set the economy in motion. But at what human cost? Did the exploitation of the poor who worked for the robber barons justify the overall end? I don’t think anyone would argue that we didn’t want railroads but could we have done it better?
I also take your cautionary note about effective regulation. Certainly South Africa is a poster child for how to make things worse with regulation. For me the essence of regulation is enabling competition. Interconnection fees, artificial spectrum scarcity, etc are all things that inhibit competition.
When we look at the broadband environment in Europe versus the United States and Canada, I think there is little doubt that effective regulation can improve things. I am as big a fan of market forces as you are. However, I think you have to acknowledge that telecommunication networks with their natural tendency to monopoly require some special consideration when it comes to ensuring competition.
No one doubts benefits that mobile networks have brought to the developing world but does that mean we can’t have a discussion about whether we can it better? Your response feels a little Panglossian in that respect. Is this the best of all possible worlds?
Hi Olof,
You have put your finger on the essence of my ambiguity about mobile operators. In many ways, they are just like the robber barons of the 19th century. The robber barons built railroads which, as you say, set the economy in motion. But at what human cost? Did the exploitation of the poor who worked for the robber barons justify the overall end? I don’t think anyone would argue that we didn’t want railroads but could we have done it better?
I also take your cautionary note about effective regulation. Certainly South Africa is a poster child for how to make things worse with regulation. For me the essence of regulation is enabling competition. Interconnection fees, artificial spectrum scarcity, etc are all things that inhibit competition.
When we look at the broadband environment in Europe versus the United States and Canada, I think there is little doubt that effective regulation can improve things. I am as big a fan of market forces as you are. However, I think you have to acknowledge that telecommunication networks with their natural tendency to monopoly require some special consideration when it comes to ensuring competition.
No one doubts benefits that mobile networks have brought to the developing world but does that mean we can’t have a discussion about whether we can it better? Your response feels a little Panglossian in that respect. Is this the best of all possible worlds?
Maybe it is time for the emergence of the ICT4D or m[Development] Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO). If the AID community feels like the current operators in the Africa and the rest of the developing world are not aligned to the development needs, why doesn’t the aid industry create their own MVNO, after all collectively or even some organizations by themselves have billions of dollars they have traditionally used on aid workers and consultants- maybe investing in a new form of infractructure might be good use of funds if they believe in the mobile/ICT channel more that aid workers and land rovers. The idea is that they could buy capacity wholesale from the carriers it wants and use that capacity for their own needs, this could even allow streamline of services to be offered across borders… We are already seeing the emergence of MVNOs and even (mobile virtual network enablers) MVNEs in the western world that serve niche or underserved areas that others see an opportunity where traditional mobile operators don’t. Virgin Mobile, Boost Mobile etc…
Once such an MVNO/MVNE is set up the opportunities are endless- set up a cross border remittance service, set up a ICT4D dedicated cloud hosting and billing etc…
More on MVNOs- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_virtual_network_operator
MVNE- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_Virtual_Network_Enabler
Maybe it is time for the emergence of the ICT4D or m[Development] Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO). If the AID community feels like the current operators in the Africa and the rest of the developing world are not aligned to the development needs, why doesn’t the aid industry create their own MVNO, after all collectively or even some organizations by themselves have billions of dollars they have traditionally used on aid workers and consultants- maybe investing in a new form of infractructure might be good use of funds if they believe in the mobile/ICT channel more that aid workers and land rovers. The idea is that they could buy capacity wholesale from the carriers it wants and use that capacity for their own needs, this could even allow streamline of services to be offered across borders… We are already seeing the emergence of MVNOs and even (mobile virtual network enablers) MVNEs in the western world that serve niche or underserved areas that others see an opportunity where traditional mobile operators don’t. Virgin Mobile, Boost Mobile etc…
Once such an MVNO/MVNE is set up the opportunities are endless- set up a cross border remittance service, set up a ICT4D dedicated cloud hosting and billing etc…
More on MVNOs- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_virtual_network_operator
MVNE- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_Virtual_Network_Enabler
Maybe it is time for the emergence of the ICT4D or m[Development] Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO). If the AID community feels like the current operators in the Africa and the rest of the developing world are not aligned to the development needs, why doesn’t the aid industry create their own MVNO, after all collectively or even some organizations by themselves have billions of dollars they have traditionally used on aid workers and consultants- maybe investing in a new form of infractructure might be good use of funds if they believe in the mobile/ICT channel more that aid workers and land rovers. The idea is that they could buy capacity wholesale from the carriers it wants and use that capacity for their own needs, this could even allow streamline of services to be offered across borders… We are already seeing the emergence of MVNOs and even (mobile virtual network enablers) MVNEs in the western world that serve niche or underserved areas that others see an opportunity where traditional mobile operators don’t. Virgin Mobile, Boost Mobile etc…
Once such an MVNO/MVNE is set up the opportunities are endless- set up a cross border remittance service, set up a ICT4D dedicated cloud hosting and billing etc…
More on MVNOs- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_virtual_network_operator
MVNE- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_Virtual_Network_Enabler
Maybe it is time for the emergence of the ICT4D or m[Development] Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO). If the AID community feels like the current operators in the Africa and the rest of the developing world are not aligned to the development needs, why doesn’t the aid industry create their own MVNO, after all collectively or even some organizations by themselves have billions of dollars they have traditionally used on aid workers and consultants- maybe investing in a new form of infractructure might be good use of funds if they believe in the mobile/ICT channel more that aid workers and land rovers. The idea is that they could buy capacity wholesale from the carriers it wants and use that capacity for their own needs, this could even allow streamline of services to be offered across borders… We are already seeing the emergence of MVNOs and even (mobile virtual network enablers) MVNEs in the western world that serve niche or underserved areas that others see an opportunity where traditional mobile operators don’t. Virgin Mobile, Boost Mobile etc…
Once such an MVNO/MVNE is set up the opportunities are endless- set up a cross border remittance service, set up a ICT4D dedicated cloud hosting and billing etc…
More on MVNOs- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_virtual_network_operator
MVNE- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_Virtual_Network_Enabler
Maybe it is time for the emergence of the ICT4D or m[Development] Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO). If the AID community feels like the current operators in the Africa and the rest of the developing world are not aligned to the development needs, why doesn’t the aid industry create their own MVNO, after all collectively or even some organizations by themselves have billions of dollars they have traditionally used on aid workers and consultants- maybe investing in a new form of infractructure might be good use of funds if they believe in the mobile/ICT channel more that aid workers and land rovers. The idea is that they could buy capacity wholesale from the carriers it wants and use that capacity for their own needs, this could even allow streamline of services to be offered across borders… We are already seeing the emergence of MVNOs and even (mobile virtual network enablers) MVNEs in the western world that serve niche or underserved areas that others see an opportunity where traditional mobile operators don’t. Virgin Mobile, Boost Mobile etc…
Once such an MVNO/MVNE is set up the opportunities are endless- set up a cross border remittance service, set up a ICT4D dedicated cloud hosting and billing etc…
More on MVNOs- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_virtual_network_operator
MVNE- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_Virtual_Network_Enabler
Maybe it is time for the emergence of the ICT4D or m[Development] Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO). If the AID community feels like the current operators in the Africa and the rest of the developing world are not aligned to the development needs, why doesn’t the aid industry create their own MVNO, after all collectively or even some organizations by themselves have billions of dollars they have traditionally used on aid workers and consultants- maybe investing in a new form of infractructure might be good use of funds if they believe in the mobile/ICT channel more that aid workers and land rovers. The idea is that they could buy capacity wholesale from the carriers it wants and use that capacity for their own needs, this could even allow streamline of services to be offered across borders… We are already seeing the emergence of MVNOs and even (mobile virtual network enablers) MVNEs in the western world that serve niche or underserved areas that others see an opportunity where traditional mobile operators don’t. Virgin Mobile, Boost Mobile etc…
Once such an MVNO/MVNE is set up the opportunities are endless- set up a cross border remittance service, set up a ICT4D dedicated cloud hosting and billing etc…
More on MVNOs- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_virtual_network_operator
MVNE- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_Virtual_Network_Enabler
Maybe it is time for the emergence of the ICT4D or m[Development] Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO). If the AID community feels like the current operators in the Africa and the rest of the developing world are not aligned to the development needs, why doesn’t the aid industry create their own MVNO, after all collectively or even some organizations by themselves have billions of dollars they have traditionally used on aid workers and consultants- maybe investing in a new form of infractructure might be good use of funds if they believe in the mobile/ICT channel more that aid workers and land rovers. The idea is that they could buy capacity wholesale from the carriers it wants and use that capacity for their own needs, this could even allow streamline of services to be offered across borders… We are already seeing the emergence of MVNOs and even (mobile virtual network enablers) MVNEs in the western world that serve niche or underserved areas that others see an opportunity where traditional mobile operators don’t. Virgin Mobile, Boost Mobile etc…
Once such an MVNO/MVNE is set up the opportunities are endless- set up a cross border remittance service, set up a ICT4D dedicated cloud hosting and billing etc…
More on MVNOs- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_virtual_network_operator
MVNE- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_Virtual_Network_Enabler
Maybe it is time for the emergence of the ICT4D or m[Development] Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO). If the AID community feels like the current operators in the Africa and the rest of the developing world are not aligned to the development needs, why doesn’t the aid industry create their own MVNO, after all collectively or even some organizations by themselves have billions of dollars they have traditionally used on aid workers and consultants- maybe investing in a new form of infractructure might be good use of funds if they believe in the mobile/ICT channel more that aid workers and land rovers. The idea is that they could buy capacity wholesale from the carriers it wants and use that capacity for their own needs, this could even allow streamline of services to be offered across borders… We are already seeing the emergence of MVNOs and even (mobile virtual network enablers) MVNEs in the western world that serve niche or underserved areas that others see an opportunity where traditional mobile operators don’t. Virgin Mobile, Boost Mobile etc…
Once such an MVNO/MVNE is set up the opportunities are endless- set up a cross border remittance service, set up a ICT4D dedicated cloud hosting and billing etc…
More on MVNOs- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_virtual_network_operator
MVNE- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_Virtual_Network_Enabler
Maybe it is time for the emergence of the ICT4D or m[Development] Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO). If the AID community feels like the current operators in the Africa and the rest of the developing world are not aligned to the development needs, why doesn’t the aid industry create their own MVNO, after all collectively or even some organizations by themselves have billions of dollars they have traditionally used on aid workers and consultants- maybe investing in a new form of infractructure might be good use of funds if they believe in the mobile/ICT channel more that aid workers and land rovers. The idea is that they could buy capacity wholesale from the carriers it wants and use that capacity for their own needs, this could even allow streamline of services to be offered across borders… We are already seeing the emergence of MVNOs and even (mobile virtual network enablers) MVNEs in the western world that serve niche or underserved areas that others see an opportunity where traditional mobile operators don’t. Virgin Mobile, Boost Mobile etc…
Once such an MVNO/MVNE is set up the opportunities are endless- set up a cross border remittance service, set up a ICT4D dedicated cloud hosting and billing etc…
More on MVNOs- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_virtual_network_operator
MVNE- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_Virtual_Network_Enabler
Maybe it is time for the emergence of the ICT4D or m[Development] Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO). If the AID community feels like the current operators in the Africa and the rest of the developing world are not aligned to the development needs, why doesn’t the aid industry create their own MVNO, after all collectively or even some organizations by themselves have billions of dollars they have traditionally used on aid workers and consultants- maybe investing in a new form of infractructure might be good use of funds if they believe in the mobile/ICT channel more that aid workers and land rovers. The idea is that they could buy capacity wholesale from the carriers it wants and use that capacity for their own needs, this could even allow streamline of services to be offered across borders… We are already seeing the emergence of MVNOs and even (mobile virtual network enablers) MVNEs in the western world that serve niche or underserved areas that others see an opportunity where traditional mobile operators don’t. Virgin Mobile, Boost Mobile etc…
Once such an MVNO/MVNE is set up the opportunities are endless- set up a cross border remittance service, set up a ICT4D dedicated cloud hosting and billing etc…
More on MVNOs- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_virtual_network_operator
MVNE- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_Virtual_Network_Enabler
Maybe it is time for the emergence of the ICT4D or m[Development] Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO). If the AID community feels like the current operators in the Africa and the rest of the developing world are not aligned to the development needs, why doesn’t the aid industry create their own MVNO, after all collectively or even some organizations by themselves have billions of dollars they have traditionally used on aid workers and consultants- maybe investing in a new form of infractructure might be good use of funds if they believe in the mobile/ICT channel more that aid workers and land rovers. The idea is that they could buy capacity wholesale from the carriers it wants and use that capacity for their own needs, this could even allow streamline of services to be offered across borders… We are already seeing the emergence of MVNOs and even (mobile virtual network enablers) MVNEs in the western world that serve niche or underserved areas that others see an opportunity where traditional mobile operators don’t. Virgin Mobile, Boost Mobile etc…
Once such an MVNO/MVNE is set up the opportunities are endless- set up a cross border remittance service, set up a ICT4D dedicated cloud hosting and billing etc…
More on MVNOs- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_virtual_network_operator
MVNE- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_Virtual_Network_Enabler
Maybe it is time for the emergence of the ICT4D or m[Development] Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO). If the AID community feels like the current operators in the Africa and the rest of the developing world are not aligned to the development needs, why doesn’t the aid industry create their own MVNO, after all collectively or even some organizations by themselves have billions of dollars they have traditionally used on aid workers and consultants- maybe investing in a new form of infractructure might be good use of funds if they believe in the mobile/ICT channel more that aid workers and land rovers. The idea is that they could buy capacity wholesale from the carriers it wants and use that capacity for their own needs, this could even allow streamline of services to be offered across borders… We are already seeing the emergence of MVNOs and even (mobile virtual network enablers) MVNEs in the western world that serve niche or underserved areas that others see an opportunity where traditional mobile operators don’t. Virgin Mobile, Boost Mobile etc…
Once such an MVNO/MVNE is set up the opportunities are endless- set up a cross border remittance service, set up a ICT4D dedicated cloud hosting and billing etc…
More on MVNOs- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_virtual_network_operator
MVNE- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_Virtual_Network_Enabler
Maybe it is time for the emergence of the ICT4D or m[Development] Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO). If the AID community feels like the current operators in the Africa and the rest of the developing world are not aligned to the development needs, why doesn’t the aid industry create their own MVNO, after all collectively or even some organizations by themselves have billions of dollars they have traditionally used on aid workers and consultants- maybe investing in a new form of infractructure might be good use of funds if they believe in the mobile/ICT channel more that aid workers and land rovers. The idea is that they could buy capacity wholesale from the carriers it wants and use that capacity for their own needs, this could even allow streamline of services to be offered across borders… We are already seeing the emergence of MVNOs and even (mobile virtual network enablers) MVNEs in the western world that serve niche or underserved areas that others see an opportunity where traditional mobile operators don’t. Virgin Mobile, Boost Mobile etc…
Once such an MVNO/MVNE is set up the opportunities are endless- set up a cross border remittance service, set up a ICT4D dedicated cloud hosting and billing etc…
More on MVNOs- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_virtual_network_operator
MVNE- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_Virtual_Network_Enabler
Maybe it is time for the emergence of the ICT4D or m[Development] Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO). If the AID community feels like the current operators in the Africa and the rest of the developing world are not aligned to the development needs, why doesn’t the aid industry create their own MVNO, after all collectively or even some organizations by themselves have billions of dollars they have traditionally used on aid workers and consultants- maybe investing in a new form of infractructure might be good use of funds if they believe in the mobile/ICT channel more that aid workers and land rovers. The idea is that they could buy capacity wholesale from the carriers it wants and use that capacity for their own needs, this could even allow streamline of services to be offered across borders… We are already seeing the emergence of MVNOs and even (mobile virtual network enablers) MVNEs in the western world that serve niche or underserved areas that others see an opportunity where traditional mobile operators don’t. Virgin Mobile, Boost Mobile etc…
Once such an MVNO/MVNE is set up the opportunities are endless- set up a cross border remittance service, set up a ICT4D dedicated cloud hosting and billing etc…
More on MVNOs- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_virtual_network_operator
MVNE- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_Virtual_Network_Enabler
Maybe it is time for the emergence of the ICT4D or m[Development] Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO). If the AID community feels like the current operators in the Africa and the rest of the developing world are not aligned to the development needs, why doesn’t the aid industry create their own MVNO, after all collectively or even some organizations by themselves have billions of dollars they have traditionally used on aid workers and consultants- maybe investing in a new form of infractructure might be good use of funds if they believe in the mobile/ICT channel more that aid workers and land rovers. The idea is that they could buy capacity wholesale from the carriers it wants and use that capacity for their own needs, this could even allow streamline of services to be offered across borders… We are already seeing the emergence of MVNOs and even (mobile virtual network enablers) MVNEs in the western world that serve niche or underserved areas that others see an opportunity where traditional mobile operators don’t. Virgin Mobile, Boost Mobile etc…
Once such an MVNO/MVNE is set up the opportunities are endless- set up a cross border remittance service, set up a ICT4D dedicated cloud hosting and billing etc…
More on MVNOs- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_virtual_network_operator
MVNE- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_Virtual_Network_Enabler
Maybe it is time for the emergence of the ICT4D or m[Development] Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO). If the AID community feels like the current operators in the Africa and the rest of the developing world are not aligned to the development needs, why doesn’t the aid industry create their own MVNO, after all collectively or even some organizations by themselves have billions of dollars they have traditionally used on aid workers and consultants- maybe investing in a new form of infractructure might be good use of funds if they believe in the mobile/ICT channel more that aid workers and land rovers. The idea is that they could buy capacity wholesale from the carriers it wants and use that capacity for their own needs, this could even allow streamline of services to be offered across borders… We are already seeing the emergence of MVNOs and even (mobile virtual network enablers) MVNEs in the western world that serve niche or underserved areas that others see an opportunity where traditional mobile operators don’t. Virgin Mobile, Boost Mobile etc…
Once such an MVNO/MVNE is set up the opportunities are endless- set up a cross border remittance service, set up a ICT4D dedicated cloud hosting and billing etc…
More on MVNOs- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_virtual_network_operator
MVNE- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_Virtual_Network_Enabler
Maybe it is time for the emergence of the ICT4D or m[Development] Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO). If the AID community feels like the current operators in the Africa and the rest of the developing world are not aligned to the development needs, why doesn’t the aid industry create their own MVNO, after all collectively or even some organizations by themselves have billions of dollars they have traditionally used on aid workers and consultants- maybe investing in a new form of infractructure might be good use of funds if they believe in the mobile/ICT channel more that aid workers and land rovers. The idea is that they could buy capacity wholesale from the carriers it wants and use that capacity for their own needs, this could even allow streamline of services to be offered across borders… We are already seeing the emergence of MVNOs and even (mobile virtual network enablers) MVNEs in the western world that serve niche or underserved areas that others see an opportunity where traditional mobile operators don’t. Virgin Mobile, Boost Mobile etc…
Once such an MVNO/MVNE is set up the opportunities are endless- set up a cross border remittance service, set up a ICT4D dedicated cloud hosting and billing etc…
More on MVNOs- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_virtual_network_operator
MVNE- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_Virtual_Network_Enabler
Maybe it is time for the emergence of the ICT4D or m[Development] Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO). If the AID community feels like the current operators in the Africa and the rest of the developing world are not aligned to the development needs, why doesn’t the aid industry create their own MVNO, after all collectively or even some organizations by themselves have billions of dollars they have traditionally used on aid workers and consultants- maybe investing in a new form of infractructure might be good use of funds if they believe in the mobile/ICT channel more that aid workers and land rovers. The idea is that they could buy capacity wholesale from the carriers it wants and use that capacity for their own needs, this could even allow streamline of services to be offered across borders… We are already seeing the emergence of MVNOs and even (mobile virtual network enablers) MVNEs in the western world that serve niche or underserved areas that others see an opportunity where traditional mobile operators don’t. Virgin Mobile, Boost Mobile etc…
Once such an MVNO/MVNE is set up the opportunities are endless- set up a cross border remittance service, set up a ICT4D dedicated cloud hosting and billing etc…
More on MVNOs- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_virtual_network_operator
MVNE- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_Virtual_Network_Enabler
Maybe it is time for the emergence of the ICT4D or m[Development] Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO). If the AID community feels like the current operators in the Africa and the rest of the developing world are not aligned to the development needs, why doesn’t the aid industry create their own MVNO, after all collectively or even some organizations by themselves have billions of dollars they have traditionally used on aid workers and consultants- maybe investing in a new form of infractructure might be good use of funds if they believe in the mobile/ICT channel more that aid workers and land rovers. The idea is that they could buy capacity wholesale from the carriers it wants and use that capacity for their own needs, this could even allow streamline of services to be offered across borders… We are already seeing the emergence of MVNOs and even (mobile virtual network enablers) MVNEs in the western world that serve niche or underserved areas that others see an opportunity where traditional mobile operators don’t. Virgin Mobile, Boost Mobile etc…
Once such an MVNO/MVNE is set up the opportunities are endless- set up a cross border remittance service, set up a ICT4D dedicated cloud hosting and billing etc…
More on MVNOs- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_virtual_network_operator
MVNE- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_Virtual_Network_Enabler
Maybe it is time for the emergence of the ICT4D or m[Development] Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO). If the AID community feels like the current operators in the Africa and the rest of the developing world are not aligned to the development needs, why doesn’t the aid industry create their own MVNO, after all collectively or even some organizations by themselves have billions of dollars they have traditionally used on aid workers and consultants- maybe investing in a new form of infractructure might be good use of funds if they believe in the mobile/ICT channel more that aid workers and land rovers. The idea is that they could buy capacity wholesale from the carriers it wants and use that capacity for their own needs, this could even allow streamline of services to be offered across borders… We are already seeing the emergence of MVNOs and even (mobile virtual network enablers) MVNEs in the western world that serve niche or underserved areas that others see an opportunity where traditional mobile operators don’t. Virgin Mobile, Boost Mobile etc…
Once such an MVNO/MVNE is set up the opportunities are endless- set up a cross border remittance service, set up a ICT4D dedicated cloud hosting and billing etc…
More on MVNOs- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_virtual_network_operator
MVNE- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_Virtual_Network_Enabler
Maybe it is time for the emergence of the ICT4D or m[Development] Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO). If the AID community feels like the current operators in the Africa and the rest of the developing world are not aligned to the development needs, why doesn’t the aid industry create their own MVNO, after all collectively or even some organizations by themselves have billions of dollars they have traditionally used on aid workers and consultants- maybe investing in a new form of infractructure might be good use of funds if they believe in the mobile/ICT channel more that aid workers and land rovers. The idea is that they could buy capacity wholesale from the carriers it wants and use that capacity for their own needs, this could even allow streamline of services to be offered across borders… We are already seeing the emergence of MVNOs and even (mobile virtual network enablers) MVNEs in the western world that serve niche or underserved areas that others see an opportunity where traditional mobile operators don’t. Virgin Mobile, Boost Mobile etc…
Once such an MVNO/MVNE is set up the opportunities are endless- set up a cross border remittance service, set up a ICT4D dedicated cloud hosting and billing etc…
More on MVNOs- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_virtual_network_operator
MVNE- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_Virtual_Network_Enabler
Maybe it is time for the emergence of the ICT4D or m[Development] Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO). If the AID community feels like the current operators in the Africa and the rest of the developing world are not aligned to the development needs, why doesn’t the aid industry create their own MVNO, after all collectively or even some organizations by themselves have billions of dollars they have traditionally used on aid workers and consultants- maybe investing in a new form of infractructure might be good use of funds if they believe in the mobile/ICT channel more that aid workers and land rovers. The idea is that they could buy capacity wholesale from the carriers it wants and use that capacity for their own needs, this could even allow streamline of services to be offered across borders… We are already seeing the emergence of MVNOs and even (mobile virtual network enablers) MVNEs in the western world that serve niche or underserved areas that others see an opportunity where traditional mobile operators don’t. Virgin Mobile, Boost Mobile etc…
Once such an MVNO/MVNE is set up the opportunities are endless- set up a cross border remittance service, set up a ICT4D dedicated cloud hosting and billing etc…
More on MVNOs- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_virtual_network_operator
MVNE- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_Virtual_Network_Enabler
Maybe it is time for the emergence of the ICT4D or m[Development] Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO). If the AID community feels like the current operators in the Africa and the rest of the developing world are not aligned to the development needs, why doesn’t the aid industry create their own MVNO, after all collectively or even some organizations by themselves have billions of dollars they have traditionally used on aid workers and consultants- maybe investing in a new form of infractructure might be good use of funds if they believe in the mobile/ICT channel more that aid workers and land rovers. The idea is that they could buy capacity wholesale from the carriers it wants and use that capacity for their own needs, this could even allow streamline of services to be offered across borders… We are already seeing the emergence of MVNOs and even (mobile virtual network enablers) MVNEs in the western world that serve niche or underserved areas that others see an opportunity where traditional mobile operators don’t. Virgin Mobile, Boost Mobile etc…
Once such an MVNO/MVNE is set up the opportunities are endless- set up a cross border remittance service, set up a ICT4D dedicated cloud hosting and billing etc…
More on MVNOs- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_virtual_network_operator
MVNE- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_Virtual_Network_Enabler
Maybe it is time for the emergence of the ICT4D or m[Development] Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO). If the AID community feels like the current operators in the Africa and the rest of the developing world are not aligned to the development needs, why doesn’t the aid industry create their own MVNO, after all collectively or even some organizations by themselves have billions of dollars they have traditionally used on aid workers and consultants- maybe investing in a new form of infractructure might be good use of funds if they believe in the mobile/ICT channel more that aid workers and land rovers. The idea is that they could buy capacity wholesale from the carriers it wants and use that capacity for their own needs, this could even allow streamline of services to be offered across borders… We are already seeing the emergence of MVNOs and even (mobile virtual network enablers) MVNEs in the western world that serve niche or underserved areas that others see an opportunity where traditional mobile operators don’t. Virgin Mobile, Boost Mobile etc…
Once such an MVNO/MVNE is set up the opportunities are endless- set up a cross border remittance service, set up a ICT4D dedicated cloud hosting and billing etc…
More on MVNOs- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_virtual_network_operator
MVNE- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_Virtual_Network_Enabler
Maybe it is time for the emergence of the ICT4D or m[Development] Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO). If the AID community feels like the current operators in the Africa and the rest of the developing world are not aligned to the development needs, why doesn’t the aid industry create their own MVNO, after all collectively or even some organizations by themselves have billions of dollars they have traditionally used on aid workers and consultants- maybe investing in a new form of infractructure might be good use of funds if they believe in the mobile/ICT channel more that aid workers and land rovers. The idea is that they could buy capacity wholesale from the carriers it wants and use that capacity for their own needs, this could even allow streamline of services to be offered across borders… We are already seeing the emergence of MVNOs and even (mobile virtual network enablers) MVNEs in the western world that serve niche or underserved areas that others see an opportunity where traditional mobile operators don’t. Virgin Mobile, Boost Mobile etc…
Once such an MVNO/MVNE is set up the opportunities are endless- set up a cross border remittance service, set up a ICT4D dedicated cloud hosting and billing etc…
More on MVNOs- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_virtual_network_operator
MVNE- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_Virtual_Network_Enabler
Maybe it is time for the emergence of the ICT4D or m[Development] Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO). If the AID community feels like the current operators in the Africa and the rest of the developing world are not aligned to the development needs, why doesn’t the aid industry create their own MVNO, after all collectively or even some organizations by themselves have billions of dollars they have traditionally used on aid workers and consultants- maybe investing in a new form of infractructure might be good use of funds if they believe in the mobile/ICT channel more that aid workers and land rovers. The idea is that they could buy capacity wholesale from the carriers it wants and use that capacity for their own needs, this could even allow streamline of services to be offered across borders… We are already seeing the emergence of MVNOs and even (mobile virtual network enablers) MVNEs in the western world that serve niche or underserved areas that others see an opportunity where traditional mobile operators don’t. Virgin Mobile, Boost Mobile etc…
Once such an MVNO/MVNE is set up the opportunities are endless- set up a cross border remittance service, set up a ICT4D dedicated cloud hosting and billing etc…
More on MVNOs- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_virtual_network_operator
MVNE- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_Virtual_Network_Enabler
Maybe it is time for the emergence of the ICT4D or m[Development] Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO). If the AID community feels like the current operators in the Africa and the rest of the developing world are not aligned to the development needs, why doesn’t the aid industry create their own MVNO, after all collectively or even some organizations by themselves have billions of dollars they have traditionally used on aid workers and consultants- maybe investing in a new form of infractructure might be good use of funds if they believe in the mobile/ICT channel more that aid workers and land rovers. The idea is that they could buy capacity wholesale from the carriers it wants and use that capacity for their own needs, this could even allow streamline of services to be offered across borders… We are already seeing the emergence of MVNOs and even (mobile virtual network enablers) MVNEs in the western world that serve niche or underserved areas that others see an opportunity where traditional mobile operators don’t. Virgin Mobile, Boost Mobile etc…
Once such an MVNO/MVNE is set up the opportunities are endless- set up a cross border remittance service, set up a ICT4D dedicated cloud hosting and billing etc…
More on MVNOs- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_virtual_network_operator
MVNE- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_Virtual_Network_Enabler
Maybe it is time for the emergence of the ICT4D or m[Development] Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO). If the AID community feels like the current operators in the Africa and the rest of the developing world are not aligned to the development needs, why doesn’t the aid industry create their own MVNO, after all collectively or even some organizations by themselves have billions of dollars they have traditionally used on aid workers and consultants- maybe investing in a new form of infractructure might be good use of funds if they believe in the mobile/ICT channel more that aid workers and land rovers. The idea is that they could buy capacity wholesale from the carriers it wants and use that capacity for their own needs, this could even allow streamline of services to be offered across borders… We are already seeing the emergence of MVNOs and even (mobile virtual network enablers) MVNEs in the western world that serve niche or underserved areas that others see an opportunity where traditional mobile operators don’t. Virgin Mobile, Boost Mobile etc…
Once such an MVNO/MVNE is set up the opportunities are endless- set up a cross border remittance service, set up a ICT4D dedicated cloud hosting and billing etc…
More on MVNOs- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_virtual_network_operator
MVNE- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_Virtual_Network_Enabler
Maybe it is time for the emergence of the ICT4D or m[Development] Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO). If the AID community feels like the current operators in the Africa and the rest of the developing world are not aligned to the development needs, why doesn’t the aid industry create their own MVNO, after all collectively or even some organizations by themselves have billions of dollars they have traditionally used on aid workers and consultants- maybe investing in a new form of infractructure might be good use of funds if they believe in the mobile/ICT channel more that aid workers and land rovers. The idea is that they could buy capacity wholesale from the carriers it wants and use that capacity for their own needs, this could even allow streamline of services to be offered across borders… We are already seeing the emergence of MVNOs and even (mobile virtual network enablers) MVNEs in the western world that serve niche or underserved areas that others see an opportunity where traditional mobile operators don’t. Virgin Mobile, Boost Mobile etc…
Once such an MVNO/MVNE is set up the opportunities are endless- set up a cross border remittance service, set up a ICT4D dedicated cloud hosting and billing etc…
More on MVNOs- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_virtual_network_operator
MVNE- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_Virtual_Network_Enabler
Maybe it is time for the emergence of the ICT4D or m[Development] Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO). If the AID community feels like the current operators in the Africa and the rest of the developing world are not aligned to the development needs, why doesn’t the aid industry create their own MVNO, after all collectively or even some organizations by themselves have billions of dollars they have traditionally used on aid workers and consultants- maybe investing in a new form of infractructure might be good use of funds if they believe in the mobile/ICT channel more that aid workers and land rovers. The idea is that they could buy capacity wholesale from the carriers it wants and use that capacity for their own needs, this could even allow streamline of services to be offered across borders… We are already seeing the emergence of MVNOs and even (mobile virtual network enablers) MVNEs in the western world that serve niche or underserved areas that others see an opportunity where traditional mobile operators don’t. Virgin Mobile, Boost Mobile etc…
Once such an MVNO/MVNE is set up the opportunities are endless- set up a cross border remittance service, set up a ICT4D dedicated cloud hosting and billing etc…
More on MVNOs- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_virtual_network_operator
MVNE- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_Virtual_Network_Enabler
Maybe it is time for the emergence of the ICT4D or m[Development] Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO). If the AID community feels like the current operators in the Africa and the rest of the developing world are not aligned to the development needs, why doesn’t the aid industry create their own MVNO, after all collectively or even some organizations by themselves have billions of dollars they have traditionally used on aid workers and consultants- maybe investing in a new form of infractructure might be good use of funds if they believe in the mobile/ICT channel more that aid workers and land rovers. The idea is that they could buy capacity wholesale from the carriers it wants and use that capacity for their own needs, this could even allow streamline of services to be offered across borders… We are already seeing the emergence of MVNOs and even (mobile virtual network enablers) MVNEs in the western world that serve niche or underserved areas that others see an opportunity where traditional mobile operators don’t. Virgin Mobile, Boost Mobile etc…
Once such an MVNO/MVNE is set up the opportunities are endless- set up a cross border remittance service, set up a ICT4D dedicated cloud hosting and billing etc…
More on MVNOs- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_virtual_network_operator
MVNE- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_Virtual_Network_Enabler
Maybe it is time for the emergence of the ICT4D or m[Development] Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO). If the AID community feels like the current operators in the Africa and the rest of the developing world are not aligned to the development needs, why doesn’t the aid industry create their own MVNO, after all collectively or even some organizations by themselves have billions of dollars they have traditionally used on aid workers and consultants- maybe investing in a new form of infractructure might be good use of funds if they believe in the mobile/ICT channel more that aid workers and land rovers. The idea is that they could buy capacity wholesale from the carriers it wants and use that capacity for their own needs, this could even allow streamline of services to be offered across borders… We are already seeing the emergence of MVNOs and even (mobile virtual network enablers) MVNEs in the western world that serve niche or underserved areas that others see an opportunity where traditional mobile operators don’t. Virgin Mobile, Boost Mobile etc…
Once such an MVNO/MVNE is set up the opportunities are endless- set up a cross border remittance service, set up a ICT4D dedicated cloud hosting and billing etc…
More on MVNOs- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_virtual_network_operator
MVNE- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_Virtual_Network_Enabler
Maybe it is time for the emergence of the ICT4D or m[Development] Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO). If the AID community feels like the current operators in the Africa and the rest of the developing world are not aligned to the development needs, why doesn’t the aid industry create their own MVNO, after all collectively or even some organizations by themselves have billions of dollars they have traditionally used on aid workers and consultants- maybe investing in a new form of infractructure might be good use of funds if they believe in the mobile/ICT channel more that aid workers and land rovers. The idea is that they could buy capacity wholesale from the carriers it wants and use that capacity for their own needs, this could even allow streamline of services to be offered across borders… We are already seeing the emergence of MVNOs and even (mobile virtual network enablers) MVNEs in the western world that serve niche or underserved areas that others see an opportunity where traditional mobile operators don’t. Virgin Mobile, Boost Mobile etc…
Once such an MVNO/MVNE is set up the opportunities are endless- set up a cross border remittance service, set up a ICT4D dedicated cloud hosting and billing etc…
More on MVNOs- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_virtual_network_operator
MVNE- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_Virtual_Network_Enabler
Maybe it is time for the emergence of the ICT4D or m[Development] Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO). If the AID community feels like the current operators in the Africa and the rest of the developing world are not aligned to the development needs, why doesn’t the aid industry create their own MVNO, after all collectively or even some organizations by themselves have billions of dollars they have traditionally used on aid workers and consultants- maybe investing in a new form of infractructure might be good use of funds if they believe in the mobile/ICT channel more that aid workers and land rovers. The idea is that they could buy capacity wholesale from the carriers it wants and use that capacity for their own needs, this could even allow streamline of services to be offered across borders… We are already seeing the emergence of MVNOs and even (mobile virtual network enablers) MVNEs in the western world that serve niche or underserved areas that others see an opportunity where traditional mobile operators don’t. Virgin Mobile, Boost Mobile etc…
Once such an MVNO/MVNE is set up the opportunities are endless- set up a cross border remittance service, set up a ICT4D dedicated cloud hosting and billing etc…
More on MVNOs- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_virtual_network_operator
MVNE- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_Virtual_Network_Enabler
Maybe it is time for the emergence of the ICT4D or m[Development] Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO). If the AID community feels like the current operators in the Africa and the rest of the developing world are not aligned to the development needs, why doesn’t the aid industry create their own MVNO, after all collectively or even some organizations by themselves have billions of dollars they have traditionally used on aid workers and consultants- maybe investing in a new form of infractructure might be good use of funds if they believe in the mobile/ICT channel more that aid workers and land rovers. The idea is that they could buy capacity wholesale from the carriers it wants and use that capacity for their own needs, this could even allow streamline of services to be offered across borders… We are already seeing the emergence of MVNOs and even (mobile virtual network enablers) MVNEs in the western world that serve niche or underserved areas that others see an opportunity where traditional mobile operators don’t. Virgin Mobile, Boost Mobile etc…
Once such an MVNO/MVNE is set up the opportunities are endless- set up a cross border remittance service, set up a ICT4D dedicated cloud hosting and billing etc…
More on MVNOs- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_virtual_network_operator
MVNE- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_Virtual_Network_Enabler
Maybe it is time for the emergence of the ICT4D or m[Development] Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO). If the AID community feels like the current operators in the Africa and the rest of the developing world are not aligned to the development needs, why doesn’t the aid industry create their own MVNO, after all collectively or even some organizations by themselves have billions of dollars they have traditionally used on aid workers and consultants- maybe investing in a new form of infractructure might be good use of funds if they believe in the mobile/ICT channel more that aid workers and land rovers. The idea is that they could buy capacity wholesale from the carriers it wants and use that capacity for their own needs, this could even allow streamline of services to be offered across borders… We are already seeing the emergence of MVNOs and even (mobile virtual network enablers) MVNEs in the western world that serve niche or underserved areas that others see an opportunity where traditional mobile operators don’t. Virgin Mobile, Boost Mobile etc…
Once such an MVNO/MVNE is set up the opportunities are endless- set up a cross border remittance service, set up a ICT4D dedicated cloud hosting and billing etc…
More on MVNOs- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_virtual_network_operator
MVNE- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_Virtual_Network_Enabler
Maybe it is time for the emergence of the ICT4D or m[Development] Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO). If the AID community feels like the current operators in the Africa and the rest of the developing world are not aligned to the development needs, why doesn’t the aid industry create their own MVNO, after all collectively or even some organizations by themselves have billions of dollars they have traditionally used on aid workers and consultants- maybe investing in a new form of infractructure might be good use of funds if they believe in the mobile/ICT channel more that aid workers and land rovers. The idea is that they could buy capacity wholesale from the carriers it wants and use that capacity for their own needs, this could even allow streamline of services to be offered across borders… We are already seeing the emergence of MVNOs and even (mobile virtual network enablers) MVNEs in the western world that serve niche or underserved areas that others see an opportunity where traditional mobile operators don’t. Virgin Mobile, Boost Mobile etc…
Once such an MVNO/MVNE is set up the opportunities are endless- set up a cross border remittance service, set up a ICT4D dedicated cloud hosting and billing etc…
More on MVNOs- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_virtual_network_operator
MVNE- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_Virtual_Network_Enabler
Maybe it is time for the emergence of the ICT4D or m[Development] Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO). If the AID community feels like the current operators in the Africa and the rest of the developing world are not aligned to the development needs, why doesn’t the aid industry create their own MVNO, after all collectively or even some organizations by themselves have billions of dollars they have traditionally used on aid workers and consultants- maybe investing in a new form of infractructure might be good use of funds if they believe in the mobile/ICT channel more that aid workers and land rovers. The idea is that they could buy capacity wholesale from the carriers it wants and use that capacity for their own needs, this could even allow streamline of services to be offered across borders… We are already seeing the emergence of MVNOs and even (mobile virtual network enablers) MVNEs in the western world that serve niche or underserved areas that others see an opportunity where traditional mobile operators don’t. Virgin Mobile, Boost Mobile etc…
Once such an MVNO/MVNE is set up the opportunities are endless- set up a cross border remittance service, set up a ICT4D dedicated cloud hosting and billing etc…
More on MVNOs- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_virtual_network_operator
MVNE- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_Virtual_Network_Enabler
Maybe it is time for the emergence of the ICT4D or m[Development] Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO). If the AID community feels like the current operators in the Africa and the rest of the developing world are not aligned to the development needs, why doesn’t the aid industry create their own MVNO, after all collectively or even some organizations by themselves have billions of dollars they have traditionally used on aid workers and consultants- maybe investing in a new form of infractructure might be good use of funds if they believe in the mobile/ICT channel more that aid workers and land rovers. The idea is that they could buy capacity wholesale from the carriers it wants and use that capacity for their own needs, this could even allow streamline of services to be offered across borders… We are already seeing the emergence of MVNOs and even (mobile virtual network enablers) MVNEs in the western world that serve niche or underserved areas that others see an opportunity where traditional mobile operators don’t. Virgin Mobile, Boost Mobile etc…
Once such an MVNO/MVNE is set up the opportunities are endless- set up a cross border remittance service, set up a ICT4D dedicated cloud hosting and billing etc…
More on MVNOs- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_virtual_network_operator
MVNE- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_Virtual_Network_Enabler
Maybe it is time for the emergence of the ICT4D or m[Development] Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO). If the AID community feels like the current operators in the Africa and the rest of the developing world are not aligned to the development needs, why doesn’t the aid industry create their own MVNO, after all collectively or even some organizations by themselves have billions of dollars they have traditionally used on aid workers and consultants- maybe investing in a new form of infractructure might be good use of funds if they believe in the mobile/ICT channel more that aid workers and land rovers. The idea is that they could buy capacity wholesale from the carriers it wants and use that capacity for their own needs, this could even allow streamline of services to be offered across borders… We are already seeing the emergence of MVNOs and even (mobile virtual network enablers) MVNEs in the western world that serve niche or underserved areas that others see an opportunity where traditional mobile operators don’t. Virgin Mobile, Boost Mobile etc…
Once such an MVNO/MVNE is set up the opportunities are endless- set up a cross border remittance service, set up a ICT4D dedicated cloud hosting and billing etc…
More on MVNOs- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_virtual_network_operator
MVNE- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_Virtual_Network_Enabler
Maybe it is time for the emergence of the ICT4D or m[Development] Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO). If the AID community feels like the current operators in the Africa and the rest of the developing world are not aligned to the development needs, why doesn’t the aid industry create their own MVNO, after all collectively or even some organizations by themselves have billions of dollars they have traditionally used on aid workers and consultants- maybe investing in a new form of infractructure might be good use of funds if they believe in the mobile/ICT channel more that aid workers and land rovers. The idea is that they could buy capacity wholesale from the carriers it wants and use that capacity for their own needs, this could even allow streamline of services to be offered across borders… We are already seeing the emergence of MVNOs and even (mobile virtual network enablers) MVNEs in the western world that serve niche or underserved areas that others see an opportunity where traditional mobile operators don’t. Virgin Mobile, Boost Mobile etc…
Once such an MVNO/MVNE is set up the opportunities are endless- set up a cross border remittance service, set up a ICT4D dedicated cloud hosting and billing etc…
More on MVNOs- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_virtual_network_operator
MVNE- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_Virtual_Network_Enabler
Maybe it is time for the emergence of the ICT4D or m[Development] Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO). If the AID community feels like the current operators in the Africa and the rest of the developing world are not aligned to the development needs, why doesn’t the aid industry create their own MVNO, after all collectively or even some organizations by themselves have billions of dollars they have traditionally used on aid workers and consultants- maybe investing in a new form of infractructure might be good use of funds if they believe in the mobile/ICT channel more that aid workers and land rovers. The idea is that they could buy capacity wholesale from the carriers it wants and use that capacity for their own needs, this could even allow streamline of services to be offered across borders… We are already seeing the emergence of MVNOs and even (mobile virtual network enablers) MVNEs in the western world that serve niche or underserved areas that others see an opportunity where traditional mobile operators don’t. Virgin Mobile, Boost Mobile etc…
Once such an MVNO/MVNE is set up the opportunities are endless- set up a cross border remittance service, set up a ICT4D dedicated cloud hosting and billing etc…
More on MVNOs- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_virtual_network_operator
MVNE- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_Virtual_Network_Enabler
Maybe it is time for the emergence of the ICT4D or m[Development] Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO). If the AID community feels like the current operators in the Africa and the rest of the developing world are not aligned to the development needs, why doesn’t the aid industry create their own MVNO, after all collectively or even some organizations by themselves have billions of dollars they have traditionally used on aid workers and consultants- maybe investing in a new form of infractructure might be good use of funds if they believe in the mobile/ICT channel more that aid workers and land rovers. The idea is that they could buy capacity wholesale from the carriers it wants and use that capacity for their own needs, this could even allow streamline of services to be offered across borders… We are already seeing the emergence of MVNOs and even (mobile virtual network enablers) MVNEs in the western world that serve niche or underserved areas that others see an opportunity where traditional mobile operators don’t. Virgin Mobile, Boost Mobile etc…
Once such an MVNO/MVNE is set up the opportunities are endless- set up a cross border remittance service, set up a ICT4D dedicated cloud hosting and billing etc…
More on MVNOs- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_virtual_network_operator
MVNE- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_Virtual_Network_Enabler
Maybe it is time for the emergence of the ICT4D or m[Development] Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO). If the AID community feels like the current operators in the Africa and the rest of the developing world are not aligned to the development needs, why doesn’t the aid industry create their own MVNO, after all collectively or even some organizations by themselves have billions of dollars they have traditionally used on aid workers and consultants- maybe investing in a new form of infractructure might be good use of funds if they believe in the mobile/ICT channel more that aid workers and land rovers. The idea is that they could buy capacity wholesale from the carriers it wants and use that capacity for their own needs, this could even allow streamline of services to be offered across borders… We are already seeing the emergence of MVNOs and even (mobile virtual network enablers) MVNEs in the western world that serve niche or underserved areas that others see an opportunity where traditional mobile operators don’t. Virgin Mobile, Boost Mobile etc…
Once such an MVNO/MVNE is set up the opportunities are endless- set up a cross border remittance service, set up a ICT4D dedicated cloud hosting and billing etc…
More on MVNOs- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_virtual_network_operator
MVNE- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_Virtual_Network_Enabler
Maybe it is time for the emergence of the ICT4D or m[Development] Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO). If the AID community feels like the current operators in the Africa and the rest of the developing world are not aligned to the development needs, why doesn’t the aid industry create their own MVNO, after all collectively or even some organizations by themselves have billions of dollars they have traditionally used on aid workers and consultants- maybe investing in a new form of infractructure might be good use of funds if they believe in the mobile/ICT channel more that aid workers and land rovers. The idea is that they could buy capacity wholesale from the carriers it wants and use that capacity for their own needs, this could even allow streamline of services to be offered across borders… We are already seeing the emergence of MVNOs and even (mobile virtual network enablers) MVNEs in the western world that serve niche or underserved areas that others see an opportunity where traditional mobile operators don’t. Virgin Mobile, Boost Mobile etc…
Once such an MVNO/MVNE is set up the opportunities are endless- set up a cross border remittance service, set up a ICT4D dedicated cloud hosting and billing etc…
More on MVNOs- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_virtual_network_operator
MVNE- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_Virtual_Network_Enabler
Maybe it is time for the emergence of the ICT4D or m[Development] Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO). If the AID community feels like the current operators in the Africa and the rest of the developing world are not aligned to the development needs, why doesn’t the aid industry create their own MVNO, after all collectively or even some organizations by themselves have billions of dollars they have traditionally used on aid workers and consultants- maybe investing in a new form of infractructure might be good use of funds if they believe in the mobile/ICT channel more that aid workers and land rovers. The idea is that they could buy capacity wholesale from the carriers it wants and use that capacity for their own needs, this could even allow streamline of services to be offered across borders… We are already seeing the emergence of MVNOs and even (mobile virtual network enablers) MVNEs in the western world that serve niche or underserved areas that others see an opportunity where traditional mobile operators don’t. Virgin Mobile, Boost Mobile etc…
Once such an MVNO/MVNE is set up the opportunities are endless- set up a cross border remittance service, set up a ICT4D dedicated cloud hosting and billing etc…
More on MVNOs- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_virtual_network_operator
MVNE- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_Virtual_Network_Enabler
Maybe it is time for the emergence of the ICT4D or m[Development] Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO). If the AID community feels like the current operators in the Africa and the rest of the developing world are not aligned to the development needs, why doesn’t the aid industry create their own MVNO, after all collectively or even some organizations by themselves have billions of dollars they have traditionally used on aid workers and consultants- maybe investing in a new form of infractructure might be good use of funds if they believe in the mobile/ICT channel more that aid workers and land rovers. The idea is that they could buy capacity wholesale from the carriers it wants and use that capacity for their own needs, this could even allow streamline of services to be offered across borders… We are already seeing the emergence of MVNOs and even (mobile virtual network enablers) MVNEs in the western world that serve niche or underserved areas that others see an opportunity where traditional mobile operators don’t. Virgin Mobile, Boost Mobile etc…
Once such an MVNO/MVNE is set up the opportunities are endless- set up a cross border remittance service, set up a ICT4D dedicated cloud hosting and billing etc…
More on MVNOs- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_virtual_network_operator
MVNE- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_Virtual_Network_Enabler
Maybe it is time for the emergence of the ICT4D or m[Development] Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO). If the AID community feels like the current operators in the Africa and the rest of the developing world are not aligned to the development needs, why doesn’t the aid industry create their own MVNO, after all collectively or even some organizations by themselves have billions of dollars they have traditionally used on aid workers and consultants- maybe investing in a new form of infractructure might be good use of funds if they believe in the mobile/ICT channel more that aid workers and land rovers. The idea is that they could buy capacity wholesale from the carriers it wants and use that capacity for their own needs, this could even allow streamline of services to be offered across borders… We are already seeing the emergence of MVNOs and even (mobile virtual network enablers) MVNEs in the western world that serve niche or underserved areas that others see an opportunity where traditional mobile operators don’t. Virgin Mobile, Boost Mobile etc…
Once such an MVNO/MVNE is set up the opportunities are endless- set up a cross border remittance service, set up a ICT4D dedicated cloud hosting and billing etc…
More on MVNOs- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_virtual_network_operator
MVNE- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_Virtual_Network_Enabler
Maybe it is time for the emergence of the ICT4D or m[Development] Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO). If the AID community feels like the current operators in the Africa and the rest of the developing world are not aligned to the development needs, why doesn’t the aid industry create their own MVNO, after all collectively or even some organizations by themselves have billions of dollars they have traditionally used on aid workers and consultants- maybe investing in a new form of infractructure might be good use of funds if they believe in the mobile/ICT channel more that aid workers and land rovers. The idea is that they could buy capacity wholesale from the carriers it wants and use that capacity for their own needs, this could even allow streamline of services to be offered across borders… We are already seeing the emergence of MVNOs and even (mobile virtual network enablers) MVNEs in the western world that serve niche or underserved areas that others see an opportunity where traditional mobile operators don’t. Virgin Mobile, Boost Mobile etc…
Once such an MVNO/MVNE is set up the opportunities are endless- set up a cross border remittance service, set up a ICT4D dedicated cloud hosting and billing etc…
More on MVNOs- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_virtual_network_operator
MVNE- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_Virtual_Network_Enabler
Maybe it is time for the emergence of the ICT4D or m[Development] Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO). If the AID community feels like the current operators in the Africa and the rest of the developing world are not aligned to the development needs, why doesn’t the aid industry create their own MVNO, after all collectively or even some organizations by themselves have billions of dollars they have traditionally used on aid workers and consultants- maybe investing in a new form of infractructure might be good use of funds if they believe in the mobile/ICT channel more that aid workers and land rovers. The idea is that they could buy capacity wholesale from the carriers it wants and use that capacity for their own needs, this could even allow streamline of services to be offered across borders… We are already seeing the emergence of MVNOs and even (mobile virtual network enablers) MVNEs in the western world that serve niche or underserved areas that others see an opportunity where traditional mobile operators don’t. Virgin Mobile, Boost Mobile etc…
Once such an MVNO/MVNE is set up the opportunities are endless- set up a cross border remittance service, set up a ICT4D dedicated cloud hosting and billing etc…
More on MVNOs- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_virtual_network_operator
MVNE- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_Virtual_Network_Enabler
Maybe it is time for the emergence of the ICT4D or m[Development] Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO). If the AID community feels like the current operators in the Africa and the rest of the developing world are not aligned to the development needs, why doesn’t the aid industry create their own MVNO, after all collectively or even some organizations by themselves have billions of dollars they have traditionally used on aid workers and consultants- maybe investing in a new form of infractructure might be good use of funds if they believe in the mobile/ICT channel more that aid workers and land rovers. The idea is that they could buy capacity wholesale from the carriers it wants and use that capacity for their own needs, this could even allow streamline of services to be offered across borders… We are already seeing the emergence of MVNOs and even (mobile virtual network enablers) MVNEs in the western world that serve niche or underserved areas that others see an opportunity where traditional mobile operators don’t. Virgin Mobile, Boost Mobile etc…
Once such an MVNO/MVNE is set up the opportunities are endless- set up a cross border remittance service, set up a ICT4D dedicated cloud hosting and billing etc…
More on MVNOs- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_virtual_network_operator
MVNE- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_Virtual_Network_Enabler
Maybe it is time for the emergence of the ICT4D or m[Development] Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO). If the AID community feels like the current operators in the Africa and the rest of the developing world are not aligned to the development needs, why doesn’t the aid industry create their own MVNO, after all collectively or even some organizations by themselves have billions of dollars they have traditionally used on aid workers and consultants- maybe investing in a new form of infractructure might be good use of funds if they believe in the mobile/ICT channel more that aid workers and land rovers. The idea is that they could buy capacity wholesale from the carriers it wants and use that capacity for their own needs, this could even allow streamline of services to be offered across borders… We are already seeing the emergence of MVNOs and even (mobile virtual network enablers) MVNEs in the western world that serve niche or underserved areas that others see an opportunity where traditional mobile operators don’t. Virgin Mobile, Boost Mobile etc…
Once such an MVNO/MVNE is set up the opportunities are endless- set up a cross border remittance service, set up a ICT4D dedicated cloud hosting and billing etc…
More on MVNOs- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_virtual_network_operator
MVNE- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_Virtual_Network_Enabler
Maybe it is time for the emergence of the ICT4D or m[Development] Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO). If the AID community feels like the current operators in the Africa and the rest of the developing world are not aligned to the development needs, why doesn’t the aid industry create their own MVNO, after all collectively or even some organizations by themselves have billions of dollars they have traditionally used on aid workers and consultants- maybe investing in a new form of infractructure might be good use of funds if they believe in the mobile/ICT channel more that aid workers and land rovers. The idea is that they could buy capacity wholesale from the carriers it wants and use that capacity for their own needs, this could even allow streamline of services to be offered across borders… We are already seeing the emergence of MVNOs and even (mobile virtual network enablers) MVNEs in the western world that serve niche or underserved areas that others see an opportunity where traditional mobile operators don’t. Virgin Mobile, Boost Mobile etc…
Once such an MVNO/MVNE is set up the opportunities are endless- set up a cross border remittance service, set up a ICT4D dedicated cloud hosting and billing etc…
More on MVNOs- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_virtual_network_operator
MVNE- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_Virtual_Network_Enabler
Maybe it is time for the emergence of the ICT4D or m[Development] Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO). If the AID community feels like the current operators in the Africa and the rest of the developing world are not aligned to the development needs, why doesn’t the aid industry create their own MVNO, after all collectively or even some organizations by themselves have billions of dollars they have traditionally used on aid workers and consultants- maybe investing in a new form of infractructure might be good use of funds if they believe in the mobile/ICT channel more that aid workers and land rovers. The idea is that they could buy capacity wholesale from the carriers it wants and use that capacity for their own needs, this could even allow streamline of services to be offered across borders… We are already seeing the emergence of MVNOs and even (mobile virtual network enablers) MVNEs in the western world that serve niche or underserved areas that others see an opportunity where traditional mobile operators don’t. Virgin Mobile, Boost Mobile etc…
Once such an MVNO/MVNE is set up the opportunities are endless- set up a cross border remittance service, set up a ICT4D dedicated cloud hosting and billing etc…
More on MVNOs- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_virtual_network_operator
MVNE- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_Virtual_Network_Enabler
Maybe it is time for the emergence of the ICT4D or m[Development] Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO). If the AID community feels like the current operators in the Africa and the rest of the developing world are not aligned to the development needs, why doesn’t the aid industry create their own MVNO, after all collectively or even some organizations by themselves have billions of dollars they have traditionally used on aid workers and consultants- maybe investing in a new form of infractructure might be good use of funds if they believe in the mobile/ICT channel more that aid workers and land rovers. The idea is that they could buy capacity wholesale from the carriers it wants and use that capacity for their own needs, this could even allow streamline of services to be offered across borders… We are already seeing the emergence of MVNOs and even (mobile virtual network enablers) MVNEs in the western world that serve niche or underserved areas that others see an opportunity where traditional mobile operators don’t. Virgin Mobile, Boost Mobile etc…
Once such an MVNO/MVNE is set up the opportunities are endless- set up a cross border remittance service, set up a ICT4D dedicated cloud hosting and billing etc…
More on MVNOs- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_virtual_network_operator
MVNE- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_Virtual_Network_Enabler
Maybe it is time for the emergence of the ICT4D or m[Development] Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO). If the AID community feels like the current operators in the Africa and the rest of the developing world are not aligned to the development needs, why doesn’t the aid industry create their own MVNO, after all collectively or even some organizations by themselves have billions of dollars they have traditionally used on aid workers and consultants- maybe investing in a new form of infractructure might be good use of funds if they believe in the mobile/ICT channel more that aid workers and land rovers. The idea is that they could buy capacity wholesale from the carriers it wants and use that capacity for their own needs, this could even allow streamline of services to be offered across borders… We are already seeing the emergence of MVNOs and even (mobile virtual network enablers) MVNEs in the western world that serve niche or underserved areas that others see an opportunity where traditional mobile operators don’t. Virgin Mobile, Boost Mobile etc…
Once such an MVNO/MVNE is set up the opportunities are endless- set up a cross border remittance service, set up a ICT4D dedicated cloud hosting and billing etc…
More on MVNOs- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_virtual_network_operator
MVNE- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_Virtual_Network_Enabler
Maybe it is time for the emergence of the ICT4D or m[Development] Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO). If the AID community feels like the current operators in the Africa and the rest of the developing world are not aligned to the development needs, why doesn’t the aid industry create their own MVNO, after all collectively or even some organizations by themselves have billions of dollars they have traditionally used on aid workers and consultants- maybe investing in a new form of infractructure might be good use of funds if they believe in the mobile/ICT channel more that aid workers and land rovers. The idea is that they could buy capacity wholesale from the carriers it wants and use that capacity for their own needs, this could even allow streamline of services to be offered across borders… We are already seeing the emergence of MVNOs and even (mobile virtual network enablers) MVNEs in the western world that serve niche or underserved areas that others see an opportunity where traditional mobile operators don’t. Virgin Mobile, Boost Mobile etc…
Once such an MVNO/MVNE is set up the opportunities are endless- set up a cross border remittance service, set up a ICT4D dedicated cloud hosting and billing etc…
More on MVNOs- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_virtual_network_operator
MVNE- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_Virtual_Network_Enabler
Maybe it is time for the emergence of the ICT4D or m[Development] Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO). If the AID community feels like the current operators in the Africa and the rest of the developing world are not aligned to the development needs, why doesn’t the aid industry create their own MVNO, after all collectively or even some organizations by themselves have billions of dollars they have traditionally used on aid workers and consultants- maybe investing in a new form of infractructure might be good use of funds if they believe in the mobile/ICT channel more that aid workers and land rovers. The idea is that they could buy capacity wholesale from the carriers it wants and use that capacity for their own needs, this could even allow streamline of services to be offered across borders… We are already seeing the emergence of MVNOs and even (mobile virtual network enablers) MVNEs in the western world that serve niche or underserved areas that others see an opportunity where traditional mobile operators don’t. Virgin Mobile, Boost Mobile etc…
Once such an MVNO/MVNE is set up the opportunities are endless- set up a cross border remittance service, set up a ICT4D dedicated cloud hosting and billing etc…
More on MVNOs- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_virtual_network_operator
MVNE- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_Virtual_Network_Enabler
Maybe it is time for the emergence of the ICT4D or m[Development] Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO). If the AID community feels like the current operators in the Africa and the rest of the developing world are not aligned to the development needs, why doesn’t the aid industry create their own MVNO, after all collectively or even some organizations by themselves have billions of dollars they have traditionally used on aid workers and consultants- maybe investing in a new form of infractructure might be good use of funds if they believe in the mobile/ICT channel more that aid workers and land rovers. The idea is that they could buy capacity wholesale from the carriers it wants and use that capacity for their own needs, this could even allow streamline of services to be offered across borders… We are already seeing the emergence of MVNOs and even (mobile virtual network enablers) MVNEs in the western world that serve niche or underserved areas that others see an opportunity where traditional mobile operators don’t. Virgin Mobile, Boost Mobile etc…
Once such an MVNO/MVNE is set up the opportunities are endless- set up a cross border remittance service, set up a ICT4D dedicated cloud hosting and billing etc…
More on MVNOs- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_virtual_network_operator
MVNE- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_Virtual_Network_Enabler
I think a development agency would get eaten alive if they tried to set up their own MVNO. They are in the business of giving money away not collecting it. However, I agree that MVNOs have great potential, although I am not aware of any real success stories in Africa. In South Africa, they haven’t really had the impact that was expected but then South Africa is a bit of a broken market. Are there examples of successful MVNOs in Africa? Perhaps now is the time.
Perhaps maybe with a little help from the GSMA? What else are they going to do with all that money… MVNOs only really kick in once the main mobile operators have reached saturation and over invested in infrastructure they can lease out that is still idle. MVNOs might start to become interesting Africa in a few years, expect to see ones that focus only on data for instance. Some of the smaller operators in a few countries already act like MVNOs, e.g. Zantel in Tanzania.
Talking about Telcos and their effect on development, I believe this would be an interesting read: http://www.tni.org/interview/venezuelas-cantv-what-should-21st-century-socialist-telecommunications-company-look
Steve thanks for another great post. As you rightly say, we are fortunate that IDRC are funding APC.org and others to fight these regulatory battles, but let’s be honest it is not really a fair fight to send out APC wielding Daniel’s slingshot against a Goliathian army of oligopolist telcos! But I agree with you that regulation is a useful defensive weapon against corporate excess, at least as long as we remain trapped within this noe-liberal ‘corporate narrative’.
I really feel for you Steve: trying to hold together a personal narrative that can accommodate both the critical insight that, “corporations are not your friend / are naturally monopolistic / are taking more than their fair share, etc.” AND “corporations are lovely”?! The cognitive dissonance has got to be getting to you – big time!
In your post you quote Alastair Macintyre saying “unless we have the critical tools to understand in which story we stand, our praxis runs the risk of prolonging not only the problem but the problem story. Often a problem will be solved only by dissolving the story”. Isn’t it arguable that the problem story here is that “corporations are lovely” and that that story prolongs the problem of corporate abuse of power? If we sustain the narrative that “corporations are lovely” at the same time as witnessing their abuse of monopoly power, how can we defend ourselves against the charge that we are sustaining the problem?
At WCIT the Telco corporate lobbyists lined up against the internet.com corporate lobbyists and nobody was reporting what the APC position was.
At risk of being called a ‘whining lefty’ (guilty as charged your honour!) I would say that we need to name corporate abuse of oligopolistic power whenever we see it – even if the offender has a really cool image / funds neat app hackathons / and has an excellent search engine etc.
heh… touché 🙂 I prefer to think of my cognitive dissonance as more of a Hegelian dialectic that I am trying to resolve into some sort of synthesis… which is either a truly socially responsible corporation or an effectively regulated market or industry self-regulation or something else.
On social responsibility, Google is an interesting case in point. I’ve interacted a number of Google employees over the last 10 years. There used to be a distinct pride in working for a company that had the motto “Do no evil”. I remember hearing the sense of pride from Google staff when the company took a stand in China. Unfortunately, there have been too many peccadilloes now for “do no evil” to have much resonance. I wonder if they have underestimated how valuable that notion is to their staff.
I think/hope that increasingly people realise that simply have more stuff doesn’t provide satisfaction, especially now that as everyone can afford “stuff” now. We need something deeper. I hope that corporations are on the cusp of recognising that employees and investors alike desire something more. There are examples. Tom’s Shoes etc. I hope for a day when people choose not to work for corporations that do not make a positive change in the world.