Carolyn Purcell
5/12/2008

Director, IBSG (US State and Local)
Cisco

As Director, IBSG (US State and Local), Cisco, Carolyn Purcell is called upon to travel frequently, most often to Nordic countries (Sweden, Finland, Norway), the Netherlands, France, Portugal, Spain, and the United Kingdom. She took time from her busy schedule to answer questions about digital inclusion.

In your travels around the world, what have you noticed about digital inclusion?

Digital inclusion is incredibly important in the Nordic countries and also in the Netherlands. Not just any digital inclusion, but true broadband. Several of these countries have innovative Fiber to the Home (FttH) initiatives in various stages of development – and it shows in their standing in the studies on broadband deployment.

What cultural, political and business policies need to be taken into consideration when engaging in digital inclusion initiatives in the region?

From a cultural perspective, I think it is necessary to demonstrate the relevance and usefulness of the Internet to those who do not have computers in their home, then to make equipment available at a low cost (e.g., OLPCs and thin clients) and provide training. In many instances the kids can train the adults. Where older citizens are reluctant to use the equipment, there is an opportunity to replace the computer with a black box that turns their television into a two-way video phone for social inclusion. This is done in the Netherlands in particular.

From a political standpoint, it does not go unnoticed that the countries that are moving up the chart on deployment of broadband are those whose government have intervened – either through building their own networks or subsidizing telecommunications companies. The absence of a national policy in the United States has not served us well and left the 50 states and innumerable local jurisdictions to fend for themselves, sometimes pitting municipalities in particular against the telcos.

Lastly, interesting business models are emerging around the world. Countries outside the U.S. are providing an open infrastructure and unbundled services which is spurring innovation in technology and business models.

Which international non-profit organizations do you think have been driving the most digital inclusion?

I have experience with “One Economy”– they play nationally (mostly urban) and in emerging countries. They have also been involved in some of the rebuilding in the Gulf coast area ravaged by Hurricane Katrina. Their model is to build demand through offering content that is relevant to the population. They also facilitate demand aggregation and deployment of new business models.

Where have you seen the longest lines for a computer terminal?

Luca in Tuscany, Italy! As a tourist I had to wait for time on one of three terminals at the information center. Other tourist sites in Italy weren't much better – nor were they less expensive!

Where have you been surprised to find Internet access? Also, where were you surprised for not being able to gain access to the internet?

This is a bit theoretical, but I was surprised to learn about Supernet in Alberta Canada. A private company provides broadband (wired and wireless as appropriate) to every town in this very rural province. The state served as an anchor tenant for this solution.

I was most surprised not to have Internet access when staying in a well-respected chain hotel directly across the street from a US state capitol!

Have you been in a situation where you thought if someone just had a computer, life would be so different?

Too many times to count, from my aged uncle who spent way too much time by himself, to people struggling to understand a disease so they can care for a loved one, an immigrant who wants to do the right thing if only he knew what it was ... all of the wonderful efficiency and networking we enjoy from the computer should belong to everyone.

What is the one thing that has surprised you the most related to digital inclusion?

How much it can change a life and how increasingly important it is for kids to have access to these resources. The “Millenial Generation” are always on the grid and will set the stage for the next wave. Those who are not on-line will be left out.

What do you think of digital inclusion via computers as opposed to via mobile devices?

In Japan already PC sales are slipping – there are so many other devices available for what we need and they are getting better all of the time. With the advent of cloud computing many may choose to let the cloud do the computing for them – all they need is the "thin client" whose time may finally be coming.

What are your thoughts on AMD's 50x15 objectives?

I think it is a very noble effort, but 2015 is rapidly approaching. I hope that AMD and its technology partners are successful – it's more important now than ever before – and on an upward projection!