Sometimes I see my relatives in the village have good phones - smart phones - despite us being in a rural and remote area. Most use it to call others, send text message and watch stored videos. Apart from that, they use it for internet access ocassionally as network coverage is not full especially on the coastlines. However, as they move up the mountains they are able to get access since Mt. Pawih a good reception. So when I'm in the village (Liap/Derimbat village, Manus Province) and you see that people own good touch screen phones then I thought best to conduct a small session the usage of Whatsapp.
This includes explaining the concepts of basic flow of data from phones through internet to reach others. This basic overview provides my relative with an understanding how how they can purchase data to use tools such as WhatsApp to communicate personally or in business.
Manus is a difficult place to do business, especially for SME's to thrive. This, in my belief, is due to the high cost of fuel. It is the single most important factor because everyone as to consider the cost of fuel and factor it into their prices of the goods and services they sell. So using tools online can reduce some of the costs especially those around communication, advertising and ordering items. I hope my relatives can use these digital tools and thus reduce the digital divide that continues to be present in our country.
