Languages menu:
Broadband Communications
Broadband Communication in the Carpathians (2006) (PDF)
Broadband Connectivity in Mountain Areas of Nepal (2008) (PDF)
Broadband Connectivity in Mountain Areas of Romania (2008) (PDF)
At the request of several members of the Mountain Partnership, a number of activities and studies have been promoted by the Mountain Partnership Secretariat focusing on exploring the potentials of broadband technology for reducing the digital divide and promoting development in mountain areas. After an initial desk analysis conducted during 2006 with the support of Italian academic institutions (University LUISS Guido Carli and the University of Tor Vergata), two studies have been commissioned to the Mountain Forum to assess the possible effects and constraints of introducing broadband technology in the Mountain areas of Romania and Nepal, looking at the potential of broadband communication technology to provide rapid, cost-effective and efficient connectivity for the mountain communities.
Reducing the digital divide between mountain and lowland areas is an essential step for achieving equitable economic and social development. Mountain people are clearly aware of the opportunity to catch up which is afforded them by the "Information Society". Modern communication technologies, when systematically applied and adapted to local conditions in mountain areas, can be catalysts for lasting development and social change. Low-cost networked information and communication technologies could promote political and social participation, increase working opportunities, disseminate information and share knowledge and skills among communities while bridging the gap between mountain and valley. Broadband allows the sharing of information and knowledge among economic actors, thus easing the development of business activities.
Broadband can help identify new economic opportunities such as new markets but can also be instrumental in building a strong civil society. For example, connectivity allows mountain people to access better health, employment and educational services which were previously limited or not available. In terms of management of the public domain, and thanks to the availability of on-line government services and programmes, both citizens and businesses now have enhanced access to their local and national administrations, with all the relative benefits in terms of administrative efficiency. It is clear that access to adequate communication facilities and services can significantly accelerate the sustainable development of mountain communities top
Definition
Broadband is the common term for a high bandwidth Internet connection -- one that can transmit or download information up to 40 times as fast as a standard telephone and modem -- and can be applied to a variety of communications including broadcast and cable television, wireless phones, Web access, instant messaging for real-time communication, information sharing (including exchanging data and files) and e-mail.
