wireless+technology

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=Overview=

As technology is constantly changing wireless technology is becoming increasingly useful. Wireless technology may make possible to decrease the digital divide. In general, wireless technology includes mobile IT equipment such as PDA’s and Bluetooth (Arowolo).

=Types of Wireless Technologies=

Wireless technologies such as Wi-Fi and WiMAX are broadband wireless technologies that can provide Internet access to users. Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) is also known as wireless networking and it is a wireless way of networking (Brain). Its simplicity is its main advantage. WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) is another form of wireless technology in which it is able cover large geographical areas (Cayla 6). It can allow operators and service providers to reach millions of potential customers in a cost effective way. The biggest difference between the two wireless technologies is there coverage as Wi-Fi can provide about 100 feet while WiMAX can provide about 30 miles of wireless access (Grabianowski and Brain).

=Wireless Technology and The Digital Divide=

The use of wireless technology to provide Internet access to developing countries may lead to a decrease in the digital divide. As the digital divide is the gap between the information rich and poor (Arowolo). More specifically wireless technology has become more helpful in narrowing the differences in access between developing and industrializes societies (Norris 273). Those who before could not have access to the Internet for particular reasons could now use wireless technology to gain access to the Internet. This includes people living in developing countries that lack the recourses or technical skills to access the Internet. Wireless Technologies such as Wi-Fi and WiMAX may make it possible to bridge the digital divide between developed and developing countries (Smyth 3). Using wireless technologies such as Wi-Fi and WiMAX are cost effective ways of providing Internet access to those in developing countries. Also, wireless technologies can be implemented with little or no affect on a nation’s existing infrastructures (Smyth 2). As a result, communities that could not afford the expensive infrastructures that are required of PCs can now gain access to the web through wireless devices (Arowolo). Thus, those living in rural or remote areas can have the opportunity to get connected to the Internet.

=Challenges to Wireless Technologies=

There are some challenges in implementing broadband wireless technologies to developing countries. Though affordability is one factor there are other barriers to access. Developing countries may lack awareness of particular beneficial wireless technologies that may solve the problem of coverage (Manevskaya). Another challenge is the lack of support for entrepreneurs to maintain broadband wireless Internet services (Manevskaya). Also, the availability of backbone access can be limited (Manevskaya). Backbone access can refers to promoting connectivity or leaving it to the market (Manevskaya). Environmental issues of developing nations is an issue as the supply of power can sometimes be limited which means having broadband wireless access would not be possible (Manevskaya). Therefore, even though wireless technologies may prove to be beneficial to developing nations the lack of support or awareness can be a problem in providing Internet access.

=Conclusion=

As a result, of advancements made in communication technology wireless technologies can provide internet access to those unable to get it due to particular reasons. Wireless technologies such as WiMAX and Wi-Fi have the potential to provide access to many users. This is especially beneficial for those living in remote areas, as it is cost effective. The use of wireless technologies makes Internet access more affordable for poorer countries, as it is not as costly as wired networks. The digital divide is decreasing through advancements made in technology.

=Works Cited=

Arowolo, Olayinka. __Will Wireless Technology Bridge the Digital Divide?__ 26 Jan. 2006. Voter News Network. 24 Feb. 2006 .

Brain, Marshall. __How WiFi Works__. HowStuffWorks. 25 Feb. 2006 .

Cayla, Guy, Stephane Cohen and Didier Guigon. __WiMAX an efficient tool to bridge the digital divide__. 2005. 25 Feb. 2006 .

Delgado, Rosa. __The Most Regulated Service in Developing Countries__. 1998. Internet Society. 27 Feb. 2006 .

Grabianowski, Edward and Marshall Brain. __How WiMAX Works__. HowStuffWorks. 24 Feb. 2006 .

Manevskaya, Diana. __Wireless for Development: Challenges and Opportunities__. 25 Sept. 2004. W2i. 27 Feb. 2006 .

Norris, Pippa. “The Digital Divide”. __The Information Society Reader__. Ed. Frank Webster. London and New York: Routledge, 2004. 273-286.

Smyth, Gerard. __Wireless Technologies Bridging the Digital Divide in Education__. mlearn. 25 Feb. 2006 .