broadband strategies handbook.pdf - Khazar University

Internet access centers in various districts (OECD 2008, 73). The governmentis considering expanding the number of public Internet access centersacross the country. In addition, it has extended connectivity tomilitary conscripts through 227 public Internet access centers maintainedwith 4,487 computers, 227 projectors, printers, and related equipment onmilitary campuses.A comprehensive broadband strategy should also consider user-relatedissues so that available funds can finance projects to increase uptake andusage by specific groups and communities such as women, people with disabilities,and public facilities. Such projects can be part of universal broadbandinitiatives and funding. In many countries, community telecenters areoften part of universal service programs and funded by the government oruniversal service fund. In the case of broadband, it is also important toensure that programs to fund telecenters include induction programs forpeople who are using broadband services for the first time, including digitalliteracy training and broader training in how to use basic tools or availableonline services (such as e-government services).Advanced ICT TrainingAdvanced ICT training refers to the acquisition of high-level skills necessaryto support broadband networks and to develop broadband contentand applications. Advanced skills are taught in two general venues: (a) specializedand more informal postsecondary schools, including training providedby the private sector, and (b) universities. Specialized postsecondaryinstitutions include colleges, vocational schools, and courses typicallytaught by multinational software or hardware companies or internationalcompanies that specialize in ICT training. An example is the Cisco NetworkingAcademy Program, which teaches network skills to almost 1 millionstudents per year. Courses are taught at some 9,000 academies in 165countries. 11 Countries can create similar partnerships with other hardware,software, content, and broadband services companies to fuel the developmentof training facilities and courses (Cooper 2010). India provides anexample of the benefits of training through more informal institutions.Since the formal Indian ICT training sector through colleges and universitiescannot cope with the demand for skilled ICT professionals, part of thedemand is being met by India’s training sector, which consists of over 5,000private institutes offering ICT courses to over half a million students(Gupta et al. 2003).Incorporation of ICT degrees within the formal higher education settingis important for developing highly skilled experts, fomenting a researchand development culture, and addressing, understanding, and developingDriving Demand for Broadband Networks and Services 257