We’re all Connected … But are we Really?

by | Aug 2, 2006

I know we take technology for granted. We plug in, log on and expect it to always work – and be available at the same time.

Did you ever stop to think that not everyone has DSL, cable modem or even dial-up?

I opened up my new Inc. Magazine and found an interesting article, “Pioneering the Web’s Last Frontier: A Plan to get Rural Businesses Online” (the magazine is so new that the article isn’t even online yet – as soon as it is, I’ll provide the link). The article is about Brandon Spear, senior vp of operations for Quadrem, based in Plano, Texas. Quadrem is an online marketplace for buyers and suppliers of products and services used in the mining industry.

I think he, too, took the Internet for granted when he traveled to South Africa:

“Spear expected rural suppliers to be behind in terms of technology, but he didn’t realize that, in many cases, phone and fax machines were their only means of communication.”

It’s a rhetorical thought – of course – to imagine that the entire world is connected. Hey, the cable and wireless ads tout this, so don’t we all believe it?

As business leaders, we can make an impact by encouraging telecommunications providers to finally increase their infrastructures so that countries like those in Africa can get connected. If we’re supposed to be living in the global economy, then let’s start acting like it.

As business professionals, how do you think we can make more an impact? I’d like to hear your comments.

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