FAQ

Internet connectivity is low in most parts of Africa. Where 90% of Dutch households have broadband connection, business connectivity is only just starting in Africa. Connections are slow, erratic and bandwith is limited.

In Africa where most computers and connectivity is at the company only, staff operate facilities both for business and private use. Computers are regularly full of personal files, music, pictures, personal e-mail is exchanged via company computers. Computer virusses lift on with such music exchange or uncontrolled (yahoo) e-mail accounts. Most computers are infected with at least 5 or more virusses, while keeping anti virus software up to date is difficult due to the erratic connectivity.

With relative low investment organisations can easily triple their internet experience over existing lines:

1. The software that pirates use for software and music exchange can easily put to use to exchanging protection software and utilities. This so called peer-to-peer or torrent software is lightweight, free and perfectly legal and allows for exchange of big documents over small and erratic lines;
2. Through simple and low cost hardware, one can use the presently not used bandwith at night. Routers will automatically up- and download files automatically during night time, while maintaining low connectivity during daytime when staff needs bandwith for other purposes. It cuts both ways; the nightly downloads no longer disturb the daily internet access, and internet speed is higher at night, because most users are asleep.
3. The same techniques can be put to use to automatically back up critical files to safe and private servers, largely taking away the risk of losing important documents.
4. Combined with free synchronising software, document and database sharing is possible for colleagues at different geographical places.

FAQ has the solution available to improve internet access for smallholder organisations. Through our super fast and secure private servers, and our service centres in Kenya and Tanzania we offer these utilities at low cost to smallholder organisations. Please contact us when interested.