[gaia] research vs business questions, the integral approach

[Paola Di Maio <[e-mail]>]

Happy New Year Everyone at IRTF!!

I think I have seen threads on this list, discussing the complex socio
technical relations between policy, business and internet technology.

I am  posting a note on a case study I am plannig to write up,  hoping
that someone can help me to understand what is happening.

My organisation, ISTCS.org, has been operating collaboratively with
individual researchers and institutions in different countries for
some years. One the one hand we do advanced systems research (socio
technical systems , modelling,, brain computer interfaces etc) and
some paid work when it comes up, on the other hand we run community
ICT programmes, generally workshops, facilitiating learning, reusing
computers etc. on a totally pro bono basis.

The work that requires a stable connection is generally done in
developed countries or cities, other work in very rural and remote
areas. where unfortunately the internet infrastructure is often not
up.

Two years ago approximately not sure how, we were invited to join
IRTF/Gaia as its members initiatives could synergise with our efforts,
in particular the setting up the wifi

Via this list  I was connected with Jim and MIckey of Airjaldi who
serve one of the regions we work in.

Now while we are still waiting for a viable broadband provision in
some of our project locations (because they are not served by the
providers), in some others it looks like Airjaldi has started putting
up network, although the Jaldihotspot icon comes up in the network in
range, nobody afaik is able to use it yet.

Are these reasons technical, or business reasons, I do not know,

Advancing the provision of rural bandwidth in our region (so that we can
start the research programme) is part of the mission.

I have funding to purchase any necessary extra equipment tp improve
the current technical capability, or extend the range (currently
network not only appears not to work b ut is also available only in a
small spot) to set up legal entities, and collaborate with number of
private enterprises who could act as partners, NGOs, institutions etc.
to work with as required

I have not yet fleshed out the research questions as such, but from an
integral research perspective, the fact that the main provider in the
region is not responding to emails and offers of purchasing equipment
if necessary - ,for me is a research issue

When I go to foundations such as DEF (Digital Empowerment Foundation)
for advice, they say that I should talk to Airjaldi, but Airjaldi
doesnt talk to me, and does not tell me why they dont talk to me.

Is anyone else working on similar research, or facing similar seemingly
problems?  Would this come under denial of service?

I simply do not understand what is going on

Thanks for any help in framing this issue

PDM