Wireless Networking in the developing world

The network readiness of a country indicates the ability of its principal stakeholders—government,
citizens, businesses—to leverage the potential of information and communication technology (ICT).
As broadband becomes more widely diffused in developing countries, there is great potential to
increase the number of people who are connected. Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) and Worldwide
interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) are not only revolutionizing broadband
communications in the developed world but they also offer to developing countries the opportunity
to bridge the digital divide that may exist in their communities. As emerging markets look for
opportunities to ‘‘leap-frog’’, they can quickly adapt to next-generation wireless technologies like WiFi and WiMAX, thereby gaining advantages over other traditional wired infrastructures.
Policymakers should seek suitable strategies to promote vital broadband technologies that offer
beneficial alternatives to traditional cable and DSL. We propose a strategic wireless framework to
address challenges in three different economic sectors of a developing country: Tier I or metro
economy, which is well-urbanized and integrated with the global economy; Tier II or sub-urban
economy, which has niche economic or development activities compared to Tier I; and Tier III or the
rural economy, characterized by informal economic activity and poverty.