Dialog Content Program People Texts

SOROS FOUNDATION INTERNET/E-MAIL PROGRAM

PROGRAM MISSION

This program provides access to e-mail and the full array of Internet services to individuals and organizations with limited or no access in non- FSU countries (Note: The ISF has a similar program in the FSU). The goal is to provide access to as many as possible at the most reasonable subsidized cost. E-mail is a vital communications tool, and a source of first-hand news available when other communication options are not. The Internet provides instant access for over 20 million users to a wealth of information

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION/GUIDELINES

Institutional and Individual Funding Component

The program attempts to fund a broad array of pilot projects using different technologies to provide Internet/E-Mail access. The program's strategy is to have a number of proven options available when entering new countries with limited telecommunications abilities. Project funding may involve telecommunication's related equipment donations, loans, various telecommunication fees, and subsidies to cover the cost of data transmission (line and data access subsidies are limited to no more than two years).

This component also concentrates on identifying various 'niche markets' in each country where Internet access would be most valuable. For example, while the Academic and Research network of Poland has relatively good connectivity for the region, it provides little to no access to secondary schools. Major niche markets categories include: Academic and Research Institutions, Secondary Schools, Media, NGO's, content-based institutions (libraries, hospitals, museums, environmental) and the user on the street.

Conference Component

Once a year the program provides partial funding for a regional conference providing training in telecommunications services to developing countries. Aside from training, the conference provides an invaluable way for participants to network, trade ideas and develop/submit new proposals for possible funding. Many projects ultimately supported develop from working relationships established at the conference. Conference participants include Soros technical staff responsible for implementing E-Mail programs in their respective region. Conference funding is provided to subsidize participation and travel fees of individuals selected by the Soros Offices and approved by the conference providers, usually the International Internet Society.

Legal Component

In order to protect investments already made in telecommunications infrastructure, the program seeks ways of creating an international 'Law of the Seas' to protect the free flow of information on the Internet. On the national level, ways of protecting the free flow of information on the Internet and BBS systems are also sought. This is a new component of the program. The best ways of accomplishing these goals are currently being reviewed by organizations which have expressed an interest in working with us on this issue: World Bank, CEENET, Internet Society, RARE, etc..

Funding Partner Component

We actively seek partners to help us fund efforts to provide connectivity to a broad segment of the population in this region. We are examining ways to share good connectivity proposals between Foundations and organizations with similar telecommunication programs. Other foundations and Organizations such as NATO, World Bank, Internet Society and CEENET have expressed an interest in this component of the project. NATO is already an active partner in funding participants to the Internet Conferences.

Selection Criteria for Program Funding

The program gives preference to the following:

1) Projects that have a strong training component in addition to providing E-Mail or Internet access.
2) Projects recommended and monitored by technical staff working in foundations.
3) Projects emphasizing both communication and cooperation. Individuals and institutions should work together to put forth proposals that benefit a broad segment of the population or community served by the institute asking for support.
4) Projects emphasizing content as well as infrastructural development
5) Projects with a strong technical manager on-the-ground to insure implementation is followed through.
6) Projects that support a particular niche market underdeveloped in a particular country.
7) Projects submitted by the APC BBS network or any of it's affiliates. The APC is dedicated to providing low cost access to conferences and E-Mail as well as technical support and training through a loose confederation of BBS's operating in 94 countries.

PROGRAM/POLICY DIRECTION

Institutional and Individual Funding Component - Most projects are brought to our attention by the individual foundation in-country. We work together with them and the Soros automation coordinator at a national foundation to develop, implement and monitor the project. Applications submitted directly to New York are resubmitted to the country foundations for their review and approval if a technical person exists at the Foundation in question. Non- country specific regional proposals are reviewed in NY.

Conference Component - We work with proven organizers who are able to draw expertise from anywhere in the field while also providing quality content and training. We worked with the Internet Society the last two years. However, the conference is scheduled for Hawaii in '95, and we are seeking organizers to create a regional telecommunications conference. The Central and Eastern European Networking Association (CEENET) is organizing a venue in Poland this year.

Legal Component - As indicated, a number of organization have voiced an interest in working with us on this component. The Internet Society has in fact made some progress in this area already. Representatives from this organization have worked with GATT and WTO officials on telecommunications issues related to trade. On a national level, they are analyzing the creation of in-country chapters. These non-profit chapters might be the perfect venue for proposing and lobbying for 'Internet-friendly' legislation. We have an ad-hoc E-Mail list of interested parties dealing with this issue and the Internet society has a proposal forward.

Funding Partner Component - We've created an E-Mail list of possible funding partners. The first order of business is to better coordinate proposals between organizations that might interest one or more parties. We are also discussing the possibility of having a conference to discuss how best to accomplish this. NATO has funds specifically set aside for these types of activities, and volunteered to host this year's CEENET conference.

Projects in '94

1) Created only E-Mail BBS in Sarajevo supporting 550 regular users.

2) Established first link of Bulgarian Academic Network with Internet.

3) Provided loan to Slovenian BBS vendor to establish low cost Internet connectivity for the general public. Interest and principle on loan will be turned around and used as grant to provide subsidies for the general public to access the connection.

4) Expanded E-mail connectivity through radio modem technology in Eastern Europe.

5) Attendance of 26 people to the Inet '94 Conference.

6) Established a CEENET server on the Internet to store/provide information and statistics relating to connectivity in the region.

7) Established BBS in Croatia and connectivity for 60 high profile individuals in media, the arts and education. Also trades information daily with Sarajevo BBS and outside world.

8) Provided funding for connectivity of regional Agricultural Universities in Niitra, Slovakia.

9) Provided connectivity for forestry service, national parks and environmental ministry offices in Slovakia.

11) Provided funds to connect Burmese dissident groups in Thailand and India.

12) Funded small pilot project for E-Mail connectivity on primary school level in Romania.

13) Creating Central Soros information server in New York.