IREX congratulates Vice President Robert Cronin [4] on his appointment to the first ever Advisory Council of the Alliance for Affordable Internet (A4AI) [5]. Cronin, who heads IREX’s Center for Collaborative Technology [6] and leads the Beyond Access [7] team, will serve alongside representatives from Google, Cisco, Intel, Ericsson, USAID, DFID, CTO, US Department of State, Omidyar Foundation, New America Foundation, and Women in Global Science and Technology.
Internet access is key to economic growth and human development, according to the Alliance for Affordable Internet [8]. The coalition of private sector, public sector, and not-for-profit organizations have come together to advance the shared aim of affordable access to both mobile and fixed-line Internet in developing countries. The World Wide Web Foundation serves as the secretariat for the Alliance.
“So many of the crucial development issues that are important to IREX depend on open access to technology and the Internet. From complex debates around open governance and social inclusion to basic human rights like public health and economic opportunities; they all revolve around the ability of people to get online, to take advantage of the opportunities that modern technology provides,” said Cronin.
IREX is pleased to participate in this unique coalition partners committed to the cause of affordable Internet for the developing world.