The first thing we must do is explain why we need this fast internet
Very good idea. Don't forget at this stage, I'm just brainstorming ideas. If you feel that I'm going too fast, it's just because I prefer writing down everything and then discussing it.
Here are the benefits of fast cheap Internet in Lebanon. The list isn't complete, feel free to add whatever you like:
1- The most interesting point (imho) is VoIP. I believe (then again this is just me - I see conspiracies everywhere) that Ogero purposely keep internet slow, so that VoIP solution don't get widespread. Think of all the money they make on international phone calls, they can kiss that money goodbye with Skype. So it is a good thing to explain to the public how much money they can save with a decent internet connection.
2- Fast internet can change the whole business scene in Lebanon. More and more people will be able to work remotely from home, (this is what is happening everywhere in the world right now), and by doing so, they won't be limited to the Lebanese boundaries anymore. I'm reading a book called "The World is Flat" by Thomas Friedman. Without going into details, the author explains how ever since Internet, the world has changed. Individuals can interact with other individuals or corporations on the other side of the planet. So by setting up a good infrastructure, we could attract foreign corporation to outsource some tasks to Lebanon. (Think of developing a software for a foreign company).
3- Acces to information. While that might not be the case in big cities, (then again, not entirely true), people in rural region don't have proper access to Internet. We geeks know the power of Google, how (almost) all of the world's knowledge is summed up in this one place. People should get access to this knowledge. LIX could give it to them.
4- Uploading: the Web 2.0. Lebanon isn't really a reference when it comes to Web 2.0. Actually apart from Facebook, no single web2.0-y platform really took off. What about blogs? Everywhere in the world, individuals are taking the power of Internet to express themselves. There are more than 20 million Chinese bloggers. The US elections was almost entirely driven by blogs. Big companies make all their marketing and communications on blogs. In Iran after the elections, despite government censorship, bloggers could tell the rest of the world what was going on in their country. Giving people power to talk is upmost important.
I want to take this opportunity to mention the excellent work done in that sens by a small Lebanese NGO called the RootSpace. I still maintain that we should seek their help.
5- Fast internet increases productivity. It would reduce businesses costs, help student further their researches, improve teaching methods. How about AUB, USJ or any of these guys start spreading online courses. Maybe online certifications. Many people in Lebanon could benefit from it. With the current infrastructure, things aren't likely to change.
Here are some ideas. One more time, I'm not trying to get ahead, I'm just brainstorming ideas.
