Wataniya Broadband - Internet access, finally a reality for all Maldivians

Last Thursday night, Wataniya launched its mobile broadband service, in a small ceremony held at the Holiday Inn. The service, branded as "Wataniya Broadband" consists of a modem called a "W Modem" and two attractive packages; for light internet users, Broadband Explore and for heavy internet users, Broadband Extreme. The service delivers up to 1mbps speeds in any 3G coverage zone, and up to 384kbps nation-wide over its EDGE network. 3G coverage is available in the Male zone, in some resorts and some islands. The packages are extremely competitive with the current offerings in the market by the ISPs - Broadband Extreme is a data pack with 6GB for only RF 590. But the services' biggest benefit is that it is a mobile broadband service. This means there’s no need for any line installations or cables, or waiting. Just buy a modem, package, plug and start browsing. You do not need to be in any special coverage zone like WiFi, just open your laptop and start your browsing anywhere where you can get a mobile signal - like a safari, or a nearby uninhabited island, or on top of a terrace. Finally you can have an internet connection that you can carry with you anywhere you go.

Disclaimer - I am a Wataniya employee and have been involved in the project at a minimal level, and am proud to have done so.

I'm especially grateful for this service because of its potential for development of socio-economic conditions within the country. Until now, the two ISPs have been inadequate in providing internet service to all islands. Only a handful of islands have any proper internet infrastructure (ADSL or Cable). About 50 or so islands have an extremely expensive WiFi solution. That leaves two thirds of the country without any internet connectivity at all. Now a cynic might say that mobile internet is already available on all islands. But that is not a real solution to the problem. Mobile internet is extremely expensive at 1 Laari/KB. I've had customers call and beg to reduce the price. One person described the situation as living in a "virtual prison". For example reading a few pages of haveeru.com.mv every day is sure to get you a RF 2000+ bill at the end of the month.

Wataniya's Broadband solution will give you the right price and speed - it is truly an Internet solution for Everyone, in all islands and atolls. The two thirds of the country that have been neglected all these years can finally have a solution that will work for them. The potential for development here is enormous. Now it is possible for a person from a remote island to set up a business and send emails, and reach new markets. I think this is highly congruent with the way the Maldives have been moving recently, towards more decentralisation, and this certainly enables better communication without relying on expensive leased lines. All schools in all islands can finally have access to the wealth of knowledge available online. Health centres can reach patients hospital record databases back in Male’. A product like this is indispensable for social workers moving back and forth between islands. This would enable them to better document their cases, update their records instantly and communicate with their colleagues. Productivity across the country is sure to rise.
Together with a product like a Netbook, this could work miracles. Netbooks are extremely cheap computers available for almost Rf 4000. A Netbook and a W Modem is essential for every school going child in the country.

I can see so many possibilities opening up because of this, that I can say that this is only the beginning of a new revolution.

Out of Darkness

Last month the opposition leader of Singapore, J. B. Jeyaretnam, passed away in obscurity, never seeing his dreams and ideals realised. He was a staunch supporter of human rights, and the ruling party, PAP, had him convicted of libel and defamation several times. This elderly man scorned and hated by the majority party, lead a life of revolt and constant struggle. This may have been the fate of the opposition in Maldives. There is a strange allure to the idea of a tragic hero, who lives in constant struggle and ultimately fails. Death itself is his redemption. This is a constantly recurring myth, reverberating throughout the ages. It would have been bitter sweet, for our opposition to have lived and died like that. Yet, now they face something more disastrous – reality and responsibility.

Last night the opposition rose to victory by a margin of 15,000 votes. After a long and bitter fought battle between the two parties, of negative campaigning and name calling, the opposition was able to claim victory by about 3:30am. For most people this is a long awaited step in the right direction for democracy in the Maldives. The opposition has constantly blamed the government for being too restrictive on our rights, and deliberately curtailing progress. In addition, the government have been unable to address severe problems in our society – drugs, rise in crime, and population congestion. Many see the ousting of the incumbent president as opening a pathway to solving these problems.

There were many factors for the rise, and ultimate victory for the opposition. Several structural shifts in society happened in the early 2000’s, which allowed for this victory. Population congestion and a booming youth population, coupled with communication technologies, like mobile phones and the Internet, fuelled the drive toward democracy. The opposition, resolute and steadfast in their determination having learned much from the defeats in the 90’s, was able to mobilise and activate a loyal base of support. The past five years had been intense, as we saw several changes taking place in a relatively short period. Political parties, the freedom of assembly, independent newspapers, radio stations, TV channels, and a new constitution. Looking back, it feels like a swirling chaotic whirlwind, breaking through the old political guard, demolishing its power and hold on the country.

What does this mean for the ordinary person? We demanded Change. By change what we meant was that to secure the safety and prosperity of the country, we do need a change in leadership, and that it was essential for any progress to occur. I am by nature deeply pessimistic. I do not foresee any quick and easy resolution to the social and economic problems that we have in the country. The challenge for the newly elected leadership is to show that safety, security, and prosperity could be achieved in a functioning, flourishing democracy, without the need of a benevolent dictator. This is indeed most fundamental for our faith in this democracy. Gayyoom left a large shoe to be filled in terms of prosperity. It will be hard to achieve all our hopes and dreams in a short period. We have partially achieved our objectives. There’s more to be done.

Where will I be in this ‘Aneh Dhivehi Raajje’ ? I have always been critical of authority and power, and will continue to be so. Not because it is easy or convenient, but because it is necessary to maintain our flourishing democracy. So, don’t be surprised if you see me making fun of Anni.

More videos from the Roadshow

Baalaa Baalaa Maumoon Baalaaa, Enmen ekugai



Wathan Edhey Gothah



Badhalakah Enmen artists performing at the 25th October 2008 roadshow.

Crappy sound and video quality. Was standing too close to the speakers.

I am voting for change!

I dedicate this poem by Bertolt Brecht to our President, for his good service to the country.

The Interrogation of the Good - Bertolt Brecht

Step forward: we hear
That you are a good man.

You cannot be bought, but the lightning
Which strikes the house, also
Cannot be bought.
You hold to what you said.
But what did you say?
You are honest, you say your opinion.
Which opinion?
You are brave.
Against whom?
You are wise.
For whom?
You do not consider your personal advantages.
Whose advantages do you consider then?
You are a good friend.
Are you also a good friend of the good people?

Hear us then: we know.
You are our enemy. This is why we shall
Now put you in front of a wall. But in consideration
           of your merits and good qualities
We shall put you in front of a good wall and shoot you
With a good bullet from a good gun and bury you
With a good shovel in the good earth.