What can a wireless network do for the Central Plateau region?

Inveneo recently announced that as part of their Rural Broadband Connectivity Program they will build a model that will reach and serve clients (schools, NGOs, enterprises and others) cost effectively, through the accelerated deployment of a high speed, broadband wireless network in rural population centers; they will train and certify Haitian IT entrepreneurs to deploy, operate and support this network; they will teach sustainable business model to local network ownership and operations for the broadband wireless network. All this will make it possible to deploy new and relevant technology in education to increase ICT knowledge and usage. They also announced that they will have the first training for these IT technicians in Mirebalais. What does this mean in terms of economic opportunities for Mirebalais and the entire Central Plateau area? A reliable, high speed, unlimited Internet access means the following:

• Call Centers - They have given a big boost to India's economy; the same can happen in Haiti, and Mirebalais can be one of the hubs.
• Distance Learning - FATEM hosts one of just two computer study centers for University of the People students in Haiti; the other one is in Thomassin. We can do more of this, as people can obtain almost all types of degrees online nowadays.
• Technology in Education - I was shocked when I visited the Lycée about 3 years ago to find students that were in Seconde (class de seconde) who did not have even an e-mail address, let alone having access to a computer and the Internet and knowing their way around it. We simply cannot continue to educate our children in this manner. This is 2011; we have to open their minds to everything the Internet has to offer, and to the world around them, so they are able to compete on a global scale.
• Entertainment - There is technology around to access TV and other forms of entertainment from the Internet; even the TV stations that exist in Mirebalais can be accessed via the Internet.
• Video Conferencing - Through Skype and other communication software.

A number of other applications are possible with the availability of such network. The question remains: Will we take advantage of it?