Mobile Internet Research and Training Unit - Virtual Bus

Web address of the case:

http://www.virtualbus.net

Country of the case:

Cyprus

Posting Date:

12 September 2008

Last Edited Date:

04 February 2009

Author:

Nayiri Yildizian (Department of Information Technology Services)

training | isolation | digtal-gap

Type of initiative

Project or service
Strategic initiative
Promotion/awareness campaign

Case Abstract

The overall objective of the project is to identify and implement long term methods and techniques to mitigate the digital gap between the rural and urban areas in Cyprus. The project aims to train citizens and SMEs residing in rural areas in the use and exploitation of ICTs. Additionally, the project aims to provide its researchers with an infrastructure to experiment with the use of new, wireless and mobile ICTs, methods of training, Internet accessibility and IP data and voice communication. The project is based on a mobile Internet research unit that is equipped with the latest computer, new, wireless and mobile ICTs, making it totally independent from any network resource. The lab space has eleven office desks and chairs and accessibility to disabled persons. In association with the eInclusion initiatives/ projects the Virtual Bus tours Cyprus based on a schedule and route per project, disseminating project information, involve people in the projects, provide training and perform research on ICT matters. The project is mainly funded by the Cyprus Research Promotion Foundation, Virtual IT and University of Nicosia. Cyprus Telecommunications Authority (CYTA) is a major sponsor of the project and the Telecommunications infrastructure partner.

Description of the case

Domain

eInclusion

Topic

ICT and community development | Digital literacy and competences | Broadband | Geographical eInclusion

Sector

Education, Science and Research | Social Services

Start date - End date

November 2005 (Ongoing)

Date operational

March 2007

Target Users

Older people (60+) | People with disability | People with no or poor digital literacy | Disadvantaged/deprived communities

Target Users Description

The target users of this project are individuals who would like to improve their lifestyles, competitiveness and productivity by using ICT in any form. Particularly, the project is targeted to households mainly in the rural areas with no Internet access, elderly people and people with disabilities.

Scope

National

Status

Operation

Language(s)

Greek | English

Policy Context and Legal Framework

Project Size and Implementation

Type of initiative

Inclusive services of general interest

Overall Implementation approach

Partnerships between administration and/or private sector and/or non-profit sector

Technology choice

Standards-based technology

Funding source

Public funding national | Private sector

Project size

Implementation: €49-299,000

Yearly cost:

€49-299,000

Implementation and Management Approach

Through a team of experts in designing, building, maintaining and running the Virtual Bus.

Technology solution

The project is based on a mobile Internet research unit, which is equipped with the latest technology computer workstations, servers, networking, 2-way broadband satellite, Wi-Fi, 3G, IP Telephony infrastructure, videoconference and audiovisual equipment, air-conditioning and power generator, making it totally independent from any network resource. The lab space has eleven office desks and chairs and accessibility to disabled persons.

Impact, innovation and results

Impact

The project assists elderly to understand and use ICTs and particularly assists them in the use of the Internet. The Virtual Bus visits citizens living in the rural areas in order to inform and disseminate information about various projects, programmes and schemes, thus doing away with the inconvenience and time â€“ consuming of traveling to the urban areas in order to obtain the aforementioned information. The project also provides assistance to SMEs in using ICT in their businesses.

Examples of projects that the Virtual Bus has been/is involved include the following:
- Human Resources Development Authority - Promotion of employment training programmes, employment for woman schemes, free consulting programs for SMEs.
- Dissemination of EQUAL project on employment opportunities and networking.
- Ministry of the Interior - Promotion of the use of the Internet to identify employment opportunities.
- CISCO â€“ Demonstration and dissemination of new mobile ICT solution on the road.
- Demonstration and dissemination of Broadband telephony technologies and services to the general public.

Due to the projectâ€™s major success, the Council of Ministers recently approved the purchase of the Virtual Bus by the Public Administration and Personnel Department. The Bus will serve as a Mobile Citizen Service Center and will provide eGovernment services to ALL the citizens residing in the rural areas.

Lessons learnt

Lesson 1 - The concept and success of this project proved to be innovative for the Cypriot reality and thus for the decision makers. This success and innovative nature led to the recent decision of the Council of Ministers in purchasing the Virtual Bus by the Public Administration and Personnel Department of the Ministry of Finance in order to serve as a Mobile Citizen Service Center mainly in the rural areas.

Lesson 2 - It is a phenomenon the existence of digital and social gap, in terms of technology and literacy, between the urban and rural areas in Cyprus. Due to this phnomenon, the youth residing in the rural areas are abandoning their residences and moving to urban areas where they have access to broadband technology as well as access in receiving better (technological) education. Projects such as e-Learning and e-Government are also affected by this phenomenon. Therefore, the project (Virtual Bus) is trying to combat this digital divide and illiteracy, by expanding the Broadband access as well as providing education to the citizens, mainly to the youth and elderly people, residing in the rural areas.

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