Syrian refugees stand outside their tents as they watch the opening ceremony of a school in the Bekaa valley town of Saadnayel, east Lebanon, on April 23. By Larry Downes Larry Downes Email Bio Follow Contributor April 24 at 8:33 AM While concerns about the costs and benefits of digital technology grow, there are still daily reminders of the good that innovation can and does do.
“Further, connectivity facilitates innovations — such as using secured digital cash-based support — that improve the delivery of essential services and accelerate the refugees’ return to self-reliance." The reasons for low adoption among refugees are mostly obvious, including the cost of mobile devices and service plans. Network access and electricity may not be available in the places where refugees live. Even something as basic as the lack of identity papers, which refugees often don’t have, can make adoption impossible. Many host countries require proof of identity just to obtain a SIM card.
Ultimately, the gap becomes so great that a combination of start-ups, forward-thinking businesses and leaders in civil society learn to innovate beyond the limits of old industry operating models, often by building new digital ecosystems. It’s that sudden release of potential economic energy that makes disruptive innovations, well, disruptive.
At the time, India’s mobile market was experiencing intense competition among several providers. Most investors would have seen little opportunity for a new entrant, especially given the high initial costs of building a new communications infrastructure.
Nobody needs broadband. I went many years of my life without it.
Gee, sounds like a cause some techie super rich person could solve w/a few well-placed millions. Truck it in, set it up, stay for a few weeks, fly it somewhere else. Repeat.
...how do they pay for it?
Really, guess I missed that in the hierarchy of needs. Oh and they need to go home. Be a burden on your country, not some one else’s...losers
Lol no you need food, water, shelter . Lol broadband is a luxury want
I think Hollywood liberal millionaires and rich democrat politicians should invite all refugees into their own homes and neighbourhoods
No they don't.
It's a human right, just like a free house, free car, free health care, free dental, free school, free walking around money. Where do I sign up to be a freeloader?
After we give free WiFi to the homeless in our country.
Logical. After the security and food issues have been taken care off, people want to be informed. Best way to do this is by using mobile devices! At first it sounds weird but after you have read the article it sounds logical.
No one needs broadband. It is a convenience. Not a need.
I don’t think you know what the word “need” is
they really don't
Millions of American citizens don't have access to broadband yet. WAPO, at least pretend that you do some research.☹️
EnemyOfThePeople
Great! Come legally, get a job, and pay for it yourself
And mansions! Don’t forget the mansions.
Come to America, everything is for free. The suckers, I mean taxpayers will pay for it.
I’m aware that we aren’t high on the priority list of Dems however, perhaps we could work on getting broadband (which we would gladly pay for if we had the option) to the millions of rural Americans who don’t have access before we worry about illegal immigrants?
That’s great. They need to pay.
🤔🤔🤔
why can't they build it themselves? are u asserting they are not smart enough?
Netflix is a human right.
Can we please get broadband access to millions of rural Americans? I think refugees are in need too but let's set some priorities.
'Free internet for illegal immigrants!' 🤣