The Presidential Initiative for Economic Development (IED) promotes widespread Internet connectivity in the developing world as a boost to development. The IED focuses on legal and regulatory reform, stimulating new business through electronic commerce (e-commerce), and promoting democracy and improved governance, economic growth, environmental management, education, health, and population services. USAID/Haiti was the first Mission under this Initiative to launch an information and communication technology (ICT) program to increase access to the Internet and e-commerce.
The activity, entitled “Improving Access to Information and Communication Technology in Secondary Cities,” aims to improve and expand Internet services and the development of human capacity within the Internet and ICT industry and among communities in selected secondary cities in Haiti. The activity includes three primary components: building the technical capacity of the Internet Service Provider (ISP) sector, providing equipment and technical assistance to the Réseau de Développement Durable d’Haïti (RDDH), and establishing three telecenters in key secondary cities.
Prior to the LearnLink activity, there was considerable competition among ISPs for a small amount of business activity and limited progress in expanding services. LearnLink established a Haiti domain name, brought ISP providers to the table for discussions, and offered training options. Through workshops in Port-au-Prince, target groups explored topics such as ISP interconnectivity, network security, new business models, and network scalability.
The Réseau de Développement Durable d’Haïti (RDDH) has received assistance from the Moroccan Trade and Development Services (MTDS) for ensuring effective management of Haiti’s Internet domain structure. MTDS purchased and installed equipment and software for management of the “.ht” domain and trained RDDH and some key Haitian organizations in how to manage the domain. The formation of an Internet society may evolve from RDDH activities that include acting as an effective neutral forum for other telecom groups in managing disputes and resolving issues.
Three telecenters have been established in each of the three key secondary cities – Cap Haïtien, Jacmel, and Les Cayes. Local operators, carefully selected and trained, are responsible for establishing and managing the telecenters, meeting a minimum set of conditions that include a furnished locale, a reliable electrical supply, airconditioning and humidity control, telephone access, Internet access, and telecenter staff to provide maintenance and training. The telecenters are offering general services, such as access to email and the Internet, as well as orientation to computer technology and applications, training in productivity software, and email and Internet search training.
Preliminary observations indicate definite client demand and interest in ICT learning. For instance, during the initial three-month start-up period, a steady stream of telecenter clients – businessmen, students, and some women – visited the telecenters, sometimes repeatedly. Pending stability after the recent coup attempt, telecenter services should be marketed to businesses with offerings of no- or low-cost training in ICTs and skill building in finance, marketing, and other business practices.