Abstract

The rapid expansion of telecommunications infrastructure in recent years has done much to bridge the digital divide. However, cost remains the principal obstacle to connectivity in Africa. The concept of "last mile" as applied to telecommunications infrastructure is traditionally defined as that which is required to connect a person or institution to the local telephone company, a problem traditionally solved by the telephone company. The concept of "first mile" mentioned in the title represents a more bottom-up analysis of the problem: it refers to new and inexpensive technologies (wireless, open source telephony applications) that are potential solutions to the problem. "First inch," on the other hand, addresses the fact that it is often not enough to place technology in the hands of the user. Rather, technology must be adapted to the local environment by taking into account such factors as language, literacy, physical access, etc. This grant will support 10 innovative pilot projects in rural and periurban areas in Southern Africa. Researchers will carry out a comparative analysis of the various technologies involved and map behavioral changes related to the introduction of these technologies.

Recipient Institution(s)