Wireless Networks and Free Software
Lørdag 14.00-14.45 - centerhal
Tomas Krag
Abstract
An alternative approach to bringing Information and Communication Technologies to the Developing World — Wireless Networks and Free Software.
Billions of people in the world have never been on-line. The Internet as a technology is an elitist tool, reserved for the few and unreachable by the many. This is a problem not likely to be solved by the commercial interests of existing telecommunications companies, and traditional approaches towards centralised telecommunication infrastructure.
But in recent years, more and more projects have emerged that focus on grass-roots approaches, using low-cost, off-the-shelf wireless hardware and free software to reach remote areas and underserved communities. From the People's Network in Indonesia and School Net Namibia, the low price-point, the decentralised nature and the large supportive community in the free software world have shown that these technologies are incredibly adaptable to new situations and new uses.
Informal and wire.less.dk is working to promote the use of wireless technologies (mainly 802.11) and Free Software in the developing world. In 2004 we are launching the Wireless Roadshow to work with local technology NGO's and individuals on solutions for deploying wireless technologies in their local communities.
By teaching the skills with hands-on training, as well as working to find suitable business-models and organisational structures, we hope not only to raise awareness and heighten skill sets, but also gain the experience necessary to build a central repository of documentation and tools, targeted specifically at the developing world.
Co-Presenters
- Sebastian Buettrich.
- Julian Priest.
Required knowledge
The talk is intended for an audience interested in the applicability of wireless technologies in the developing world. There are no major technical prerequisites, but an interest in the world at large is advisable.
About the speaker
Tomas Krag is a partner at consulting firm wire.less.dk and a team member at non-profit organisation Informal. He is a specialist on low-cost, decentralized internet infrastructure for the developing world, as well as an Open Source, Open Tech evangelist. After 5 years in the private sector, he now relentlessly follows his dream of working with Internet technologies in a developing world context.