The myth
|
The reality
|
| 1. The developing country needs to have
total country-wide Internet access before the benefits can accrue. |
In fact, for most developing countries,
resources will determine that intermediate, partial and focused strategies are required.
Such initiatives have been at the centre of India's success (the STPI scheme). |
| 2. Privatization is the key to telecom
growth. |
Competition, not privatization is the key
to better service and growth. |
| 3. The latest telecom system technology
is needed. |
Technology changes so fast that in any
case this may not be feasible. Adapting existing infrastructure can be more practical, as
confirmed by what is being done in India. |
| 4. Computer literacy is essential to use
the Internet effectively. |
Computer literacy is useful, but it is
not essential. IT services on government networks, like land records, licences, weather
and agricultural information, etc., can be effectively utilized even by illiterate people.
These types of e-government programmes are being successfully conducted in India (e.g. the
Hyderabad example). |
| 5. Software engineering graduates are
essential to beginning web-based services. |
True for web-designing and network
management. But not true for web-enabled services, like call centres and, medical
transcription. |
| 6. Proficiency in the local language is
required before offering e-commerce and IT services in that country. |
Whereas web-sites and other web-services
may have their front-end designed in the local language, the back-end services, such as
maintenance, software, and technical support, do not need to be. These are in fact, in
computer language or English-based medium. Indian engineers are, consequently, in demand
in Europe despite their lack of local language knowledge. |
| 7. For promoting and spreading e-commerce capability at the
national level, the choice in developing countries is between either the market or a
government-controlled initiative. |
In fact, there is no choice between the two. For its success in
deeloping countries, both the government and the private sector need proactive
involvement, as happened in India. |
