Summary - Analysis and Recommendations
Network Access
Even though
Egypt is one of the most
technically advanced countries in Africa,
it still lags in the network access arena compared to the rest of the
world. Network speed,
quality, and infrastructure all have room for improvement to advance to
stage 4. Advancements such as wireless services and affordable broadband
services would enhance network access for the residents of
Egypt.
An increase in
private firms entering Egypt’s network marketplace and the future
globalization of Information Technology will lead to many investment
opportunities within Egypt’s IT market. These investments would further
advance the network backbone and other network areas having a positive
affect on network infrastructure, internet affordability, internet
access, and hardware software areas.
Networked Economy
Positive effects
within the network economy have been a direct affect of improvements to
Egypt’s
network access, network learning, network society, and offshoring
opportunities. Government programs that penetrate ICT services to rural,
underserved areas along with improvements to the overall network
infrastructure has led to an increase in network availability
to those in ”hard to reach places”
This has opened up many doors for other business opportunities
that penetrate these areas.
Networked Learning
Egypt
has made great strides in attempting to advance the network learning of
their residents with programs such as
Smart Schools, the Mobile Internet Technology
Club, and Information Technology Clubs.
However, as stated before in this document, there are various
social issues hindering the advancement of network learning.
Gender inequality, lack of government resources, and substantial
gap in educational resources among the classes play a critical role in
this advancement.
To achieve a
stage 4 status in Network Learning, an increase in investment needs to
be made to universities and urban and rural schools. These schools are
in desperate need of computer hardware and improved network
infrastructure to further their information technology learning.
Networked Society
There is
definitely a cultural challenge and socioeconomic factors that
contribute to the success or failure of the network society in Egypt.
The Ministry of Communication and Information Technology have
initiated and implemented projects to address this challenge.
However, addressing information technology concerns will not
solely prove successful if investments in educational and social
programs are not made.
Network Policy
The government of
Egypt
played an important role in the transformation of the network policy for
its telecommunications and network industry.
The liberalization of the telecom sector enable several
developments towards deregulation which has provided improved
telecommunication and network services.
In addition, the network policy has reduced customer tariffs on
ICT related products. These tax exempt benefits has allowed Egypt’s ICT
firms to import raw materials and spare parts, which has promoted the
sector. In turn, these
firms are able to compete globally with other technology firms because
of this government imposed benefits.
Offshore Opportunity
Offshore business in
Egypt
has seen a dramatic increase and there is substantial potential to grow
further.
Egypt’s government commitment to attracting global
outsourcing business has driven the need for other improvements in
Egypt’s network arena.
All areas discussed in this paper will directly affect
Egypt’s outsourcing market.
Investments in local infrastructure, promotions of technical
education, training and certification, will advance the global
outsourcing business in Egypt.
Egypt - Readiness for
the Networked World