MANILA, 21 DECEMBER 2009—Last Friday and Saturday (December 18-19, 2009) saw a big gathering in India of stakeholders in the information and communications technology (ICT) industry, who came together to work on the best ways and means to empower the region’s different communities using the latest 3G technologies. At the centre of their proceedings is the annual Manthan Award South Asia.
This year’s, the 2009, Manthan Award South Asia in New Delhi brought together various stakeholders, including members of civil society and the media, who will collectively identify, evaluate and give official recognition to best practices and creativity in the production and delivery of e-content.
The Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF), based in New Delhi, works with partners, such as Nokia Siemens Network, to promote digital inclusion and provide basic interconnection services to as many communities or peoples as possible.
This year’s Manthan Award South Asia session will include a three-hour session to discuss issues that can help bring access to the Internet to as many communities as possible through affordable and convenient mobile devices, networks and services.
Potential
Organisers of the event said they saw potential in bridging the digital divide in rural communities in India and other parts of South Asia through 3G-enabled mobile services. They also indicated that they see mobile devices and services as the answer to low penetration of computers in these areas.
“The possibilities are endless—3G will positively impact many areas, including health services, education, agriculture and governance,” said Osama Manzar, founder and director, Digital Empowerment Foundation.
For Urs Pennanen, head of the Indian region at Nokia Siemens Networks, said that working with DEF on the digital inclusion initiative clearly demonstrates that there is a common understanding between them on the importance and challenges of digital inclusion in the progress of developing economies.
“Affordable access to communications technology encourages social inclusion and contributes to progress in a range of social economic and environmental issues,” Pennanen said.
This year’s Manthan Award South Asia will cover thirteen categories, ranging from e-business and commerce, e-education, e-governance to m-content.
