Inmarsat calls for private and public technology organizations to deal with 'information poverty'

In a speech addressed to delegates from governments and public sectors on the first day of the Arab Telecommunication and Information Forum, Halawi said that today rural communities in the region face the threat of destruction, due to their lack of access to advanced telecommunication services.

He said: "Much has been done to bridge the digital divide between the developed and developing world. Although our regulatory and licensing conditions still need to be improved, a number of public and private sector initiatives emanating from the region have been aggressive in spreading the information and communication technology culture in our countries." He continued: "Unfortunately, and with the limited resources available, most of those resources have made their way to the urban areas, leaving our rural communities in dire need for advanced telecommunication services."

Halawi used education as an example and the effect of advanced telecommunications on students. He said: "Rural schools are not as privy to advanced telecommunications facilities as urban ones, especially access to the Internet. The learning experience that those students receive is not nearly as rich as that of their counterparts in the city, nor could they be subjected to the same practical experiences and hands-on activities. On top of that, we all know the socio-economic benefits to our people resulting from an advanced education system."

Halawi said that while Inmarsat provides satellite access to the Internet building social initiatives and making them available extensively to the region needs the support of computer and software companies, equipment manufacturers among others, and most importantly, the blessing and support of regional governments.

A study on rural connectivity in the Middle East and North Africa, released today to the forum delegates concluded that more than 45% of the MENA population suffers from "information poverty" - the lack of access to information and knowledge caused by the limited or non availability of telecommunication infrastructure and one that contributes to low rural income levels. The study, conducted by IDC (International Data Corporation) in March 2003 and commissioned by Inmarsat, further said that while fixed line telephony and Internet access is growing in the region, this growth tends to be biased towards urban areas in the Arab MENA countries.