broadband strategies handbook.pdf - Khazar University

Shared or Community AccessIn addition to using community access centers as a way to promote awarenessof broadband, shared or community access can be a means of facilitatingbroadband affordability. Establishing locations where users are able toshare broadband access is an important tool to enable broadband adoptionand drive demand for otherwise willing and skilled persons who lack thefinancial means to purchase devices or pay long-term (contract) accesscharges. Public access facilities can be (a) government access facilities operatedby public libraries, post offices, municipalities, or schools or (b) forprofitInternet cafés or local area network (LAN) gaming arcades operatedprivately. Both models are seen in abundant numbers throughout the world,including in developing countries. Public funding for access facilities maybe particularly justified in localities where privately operated telecenters orInternet cafés are not yet available.These facilities provide additional benefits, as they can also be placeswhere training in digital skills occurs, such as those discussed earlier in thischapter. Figure 6.5 illustrates how important shared access facilities are inproviding Internet access. It shows the place of access for Internet use onFigure 6.5 Internet Use by P ersons Ages 15–74 in 12 Latin AmericanCountries, by Place of Access, 2007–09Country and year Household Public access House of anotherpersonBrazil, 2008 60Chile, 200964Costa Rica, 200838Ecuador, 200934El Salvador, 200831Honduras, 200717Mexico, 200947Panama, 200731Paraguay, 200839Peru, 200928Dominican Republic, 200722Uruguay, 20096535224062457735413864612519—672—356—2717Source: Observatory for the Information Society in Latin America and the Caribbean, available athttp://www.cepal.org/tic/flash/, as cited in ECLAC 2010, 32.Note: — = Not available.268 Broadband Strategies Handbook