[iDC] W3C's Mobile Web In Developing Countries Workshop

[Justin Oberman]

Hey all

Justin Oberman here. Sorry for this other email. But I am on a a W3C  
programming committee for a "Mobile Web In Developing Countries"  
workshop to take take place this 5-6 of December 2006 in Bangalore,  
India..

We are looking for participants and or sponsors. and are therefore  
beginning the call for experts to participate in the Workshop (http:// 
www.w3.org/2006/07/MWI-EC/cfp.html) in Bangalore, India, on 5-6  
December 2006. Participants will discuss the challenges,  
requirements, and use cases for mobile Web access in developing  
countries. The Workshop will bring together experts in mobile Web  
technologies and specialists on emerging countries and the digital  
divide. To participate in the Workshop, please submit a position  
paper by email before 1 November 2006.

"While in some countries, mobile Web access is the latest must-have  
for executives, it is increasingly clear that it may play an  
important role in the development of some communities," said Tim  
Berners-Lee, W3C Director. "We must ensure that the Web is designed  
to meet the needs of sparser populations and of those whose only  
access to the Web may be on their phone. I look forward to hearing a  
wide range of views about requirements on Web technology particular  
to developing countries."

This public Workshop is part of W3C's Mobile Web Initiative (http:// 
www.w3.org/Mobile/), which aims to identify and resolve challenges  
and issues of accessing the Web when on the move. W3C thanks the  
Workshop host, Jataayu Software, one of the Mobile Web Initiative  
sponsors (http://www.w3.org/Mobile/About). Additional sponsorship  
opportunities (http://www.w3.org/2006/09/mwiec-pressrelease#sponsor)  
are still available.

W3C invites your support for this Workshop through a three-tier  
sponsorship program (http://www.w3.org/2006/07/MWI-EC/sponsors.html)  
designed to support participation by people or organizations who  
might otherwise not have the financial means to attend the meeting.  
Benefits of the Sponsorship program include public recognition of  
your commitment to the W3C mission. Sponsors reach those who are  
making decisions about the future of the Web, as well as those in the  
public who have come to rely on the Web as critical infrastructure  
for development.

One important step in bridging the "digital divide" -- the lack of  
access and ability to use information services by a portion of  
society -- is the deployment of mobile networks around the world.  
According to the World Bank, more than two billion people own a  
mobile phone and 80% of the world's population has access to GSM  
service. With one million new subscribers every day, almost four  
billion people will have a mobile phone by the end of 2010.

Although access to phone service is fundamental, W3C considers access  
to Internet services such as email and the Web vital for education,  
commerce, and communication. High speed mobile data networks and more  
affordable Web-enabled phones are helping to make this access  
possible in the developing world. For some, telephones may be the  
primary, or even sole, means to access the Web. In order to deliver  
Web standards that enable access for all, W3C is organizing this  
Workshop to learn more about the specific needs, expectations, and  
challenges faced by people in developing countries.
Help Sponsor Global Participation in the Workshop.

If you are interested more information can be found here or just let  
me know.

Resources :
Workshop CFP: http://www.w3.org/2006/07/MWI-EC/cfp.html
Sponsoring Program : http://www.w3.org/2006/07/MWI-EC/sponsors.html
W3C Press Release : http://www.w3.org/2006/09/mwiec-pressrelease

All the best

Justin Oberman


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