Tuvalu brings Internet to everyone. Funafuti, the largest island of the widest spread Pacific island country by ocean area, becomes the first to bring its people high-speed internet access. The Tavalu government ICT Department on this Least Developed Country (LDC) started with a coconut tree and is on its way to providing Wi-Fi (wireless) access throughout. On the main island, Funafuti, the Department installed five wireless access points, which cover the entire island. All schools, businesses, health centers, individuals and visitors have secure access. "We want Internet for all Tuvaluans and from anywhere on Tuvalu," said Pese Maatia of Tuvalu government ICT Department.
Meanwhile, back in the USA, phone companies lobby successfully to prohibit municipalities from deploying internet and wi-fi access. The privatization of a critical public infrastructure by monopoly, without adequate competition and commitment to fair and equal distribution, places the cost burden on the user, limits access and denies access to the very marginally employed persons who could benefit both themselves and the economy by that access. We need a middle path, one wherein communities compete with the private carriers.
Meanwhile, back in the USA, phone companies lobby successfully to prohibit municipalities from deploying internet and wi-fi access. The privatization of a critical public infrastructure by monopoly, without adequate competition and commitment to fair and equal distribution, places the cost burden on the user, limits access and denies access to the very marginally employed persons who could benefit both themselves and the economy by that access. We need a middle path, one wherein communities compete with the private carriers.
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