Just a few years ago, the only way an individual could access the Internet was by connecting a computer with a telephone link to an Internet Service Provider. This meant that Internet access required both a computer and telephone service. In a remarkably short period of time, new technologies have introduced cost effective and efficient option for ICT access. These technologies include wireless broadband networks, such as WiFi and WiMax. See Adlane Fellah, “WiMAX/BWA in Africa" (June 15, 2005). However, even traditional mobile phone technology can provide moderate speed Internet access.

A good example of the use of wireless technology to promote access can be found in Macedonia, where the government was facing serious infrastructure limits in providing a number of e-Government applications, including e-Procurement and on-line applications for civil service jobs. “Macedonia Connects,” is a three year, USAID funded project to provide low-cost and sustainable broadband access to 430 secondary and elementary schools throughout the country. A secondary objective is increase Internet penetration by spreading broadband Internet access to rural populations with an emphasis on small business enterprises, local governments and consumer markets. The project especially emphasized sustainability. Macedonia now boasts of being a wireless country.

Dubai uses mobile technology to reach its citizens through the m-Dubai project, which delivers text messages to citizens through mobile phones and PDAs using SMS technology.

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