Developing locally relevant software applications for rural areas: a South African example
SAICSIT '04 Proceedings of the 2004 annual research conference of the South African institute of computer scientists and information technologists on IT research in developing countries
Wireless Networks and Rural Development: Opportunities for Latin America
Information Technologies and International Development
Broadband and contributions to economic growth: Lessons from the US experience
Telecommunications Policy
The diffusion of the Internet: A cross-country analysis
Telecommunications Policy
Critical factors for the expansion of broadband in developing countries: The case of Peru
Telecommunications Policy
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Ghana was one of the first countries in sub-Saharan Africa to be connected to the Internet, yet has very low Internet usage (5.3 users per 100 inhabitants). A qualitative study including in-depth interviews with ISPs explored Internet diffusion in Ghana. Findings suggest that due to Ghana's inefficient and outdated fixed-line infrastructure, universal Internet access goals might not be achievable through fixed-line technologies. Rather, wireless technologies may be more efficient. However, high access costs continue to be a barrier. Policy options to encourage widespread deployment of wireless broadband and cost reduction are presented as suggestions for further research. These include using universal service funds to expand the national backbone with an open access high capacity wireless backbone to reach unserved and underserved areas, reducing license and regulatory fees for the wireless industry to encourage coverage and capacity expansion, and mandatory infrastructure sharing to reduce cost.