… what Rogers could learn in Bangladesh
November 2007
Gopalganj region of Bangladesh – a remote part of an out-of-the-way country
This place looked like it had been bombed and, in fact, it had. Cyclone Sidr had swept through the terribly poor region in a terribly poor country, ripping up the minimal infrastructure like roads and communication towers, killing thousands and leaving widespread devastation behind. I was there immediately after the disaster reporting on relief efforts. My photos, written stories, video reports and radio packages were uploaded to my editors using an Edge modem… an internet stick plugged into my laptop. I was very impressed with the high speed transmission rates.
July 2010
Grand Marais, Manitoba, Canada – a fairly densely populated cottage area less than one hour north of Winnipeg, one of Canada’s major cities
Sitting at my cottage where there haven’t been disasters in living memory. Located beside Lake Winnipeg with clear sight-lines in every direction, I connect to the internet using a Rogers Rocket stick, an internet device that plugs into my laptop. Tapping into the network of one of Canada’s major wireless firms – that touts its fast connectivity – it regularly takes 30-50 minutes to retrieve 3 or 4 emails (none of which have attachments). It would be impossible to send even a small photo.
You’d think a first-world country that prides itself on communication prowess might have a bit of an advantage over a ravaged developing nation. You’d think…