POWELL WARNS AFRICA NOT TO FOCUS ON DIGITAL DIVIDE
FCC Chmn. Powell expressed optimism about future of African digital technology at African telecom ministers’ telecom conference in Arlington, Va., Wed., but warned nations’ officials not to concentrate their efforts only on closing digital divide. “Like all slogans, the digital divide helps focus attention on a complex reality,” Powell said. “However, it is less useful in helping us find answers to those realities… It does not serve the developing world to view the problem as a race to parity with the developed world.” Since technology always is advancing, he said, it’s more important to focus on advancing at best pace possible and integrating technology with citizens. As technology becomes more widely available in Africa, “I worry that rather than bridge a divide, the gulf will widen as better-off communities advance at even faster rates,” he said. “Instead of running after the latest and greatest technology device, we ought to… foster the conditions necessary for innovation and the productive deployment of technology.” Powell emphasized development of infrastructure, procompetitive policies and advanced citizen education. “Simply owning shiny computers with Internet browsers” isn’t goal, he said: “Our children will need to understand the alphabet of technology… our schools and programs need to do more than train the next generation of clerical workers.”
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Powell applauded recent progress of African nations, citing report that number of African Internet users doubled this year. “You only go from one to 2, you're still increasing 100%, he said, adding however that Africa still has long way to go. Roxanne McElvane, senior counselor for FCC’s International Bureau, said it was impossible to tell when Africa’s digital industry might catch up with rest of world. “The world average teledensity is like 10,” she said, “Africa is only like 2 or 3.” African leaders have worked with unified ideals to create environment where private sector can thrive, McElvane said: “There has been a lot of change in the last 4 or 5 years… and progress is only going to go faster.”
Powell told African telecom ministers FCC “will continue, aggressively, to stand with [Africa’s] efforts to create respected, independent telecom regulatory machines,” but U.S. would not dictate their policies. McElvane said U.S. would serve as adviser to Africa so “they can learn from our mistakes.” Powell said Africa should exploit its advantages, such as lack of sizeable legacy system that has slowed American telecom development. Powell was cautious in discussing unique obstacles facing technological advancement in Africa. Burundi Telecom Minister Cyprien Mbonigaba pointed out, for instance, difficulties in establishing stable infrastructure in countries undergoing political turmoil. “The violence of the genocide that took place in 1994 did not spare the telecom infrastructure,” Mbonigaba said, forcing many companies to go back to square one. - - Jeff Grossman