031609: Mobile broadband internet bridges economic divide

Companies

Written by Rizal Raoul Reyes / Correspondent

Monday, 16 March 2009 02:38

THE deployment of mobile broadband will bridge the gap between the haves and the have-nots, according to an official of a major telecommunications network manufacturer. Johan Wibergh, senior vice president and head of business unit networks of Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson, said a Third World country like the Philippines can fully harness the power of information and the route to access is through the internet. With the advent of mobile technology, Wibergh said the chance to deploy internet has become more pervasive, especially in the underdeveloped parts in Asia and Africa. He added that the development of mobile broadband internet will democratize the access to information. He added deployment of mobile wireless broadband infrastructure will be a boon to underdeveloped countries because this can hasten their access to information which could be deployed in major fields such as health and education. “I am a strong believer of the potential of the mobile broadband internet. This can bridge the digital divide between the developed and developing countries,” he said. “Nobody would debate the impact of the internet. Everybody wants to have access to it.” According to DSL-ISPGuide.com, mobile broadband provides a great degree of convenience as far as broadband internet is concerned.  All the user needs is a modem and internet access. It also offers mobility. Further, mobile broadband internet does not need hotspots, as it can be accessed through the 3G network. Wibergh said the Sweden-based company is also implementing measures to make it competitive in these challenging times. He said Ericsson will implement a $2-billion cost savings program over the next 18 months. He said part of the cost-savings program will be used for the planned downsizing of its work force worldwide. “We will also try to negotiate with suppliers and try to lower our operational costs,” he said. Wibergh said the awareness of many governments around the world on the importance of broadband and the internet as growth drivers can fuel growth in the telecom sector amidst the global economic slowdown. “Many countries can utilize broadband especially mobile broadband internet as a tool for development,” he said. “Broadband internet has become tomorrow’s highway. http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/companies/7445-mobile-broadband-internet-bridges-economic-divide.html