COMMUNICATIONS.

Coms in the field are limited by different constraints and the technology is just one of the aspects. In general –as it is easy to imagine- everything works slower, takes longer and it is more likely to make you crazy

Telephone: Mobile phone network is widely available in developing countries. Ensure your cell phone is unlocked (can be used with any mobile company) before leaving home. Sim cards are usually inexpensive and prepaid airtime can be found everywhere. For international calls, Skype is the best option (see internet section). Install in your computer before leaving and put some credit to be able to call fix lines (processes like set up an account and add credit can take for ever with a dial up connection. Try to be ready before arriving to the field). In my experience, the quality of the sound is better with Skype than with other systems like Yahoo Messenger. (In general, unless you can access broadband internet, forget about using the webcam in your calls). If 3G network is available one interesting possibility can be to download Skype in the mobile phone (see www.skype.com/download/skype/skypelite/ for phones with this option). It let you receive calls from a computer straight to your phone just for the price you pay for the Megas used during the conversation (the quality of the sound is not very good, anyway). The option to call from the mobile phone using Skype to a computer is just available in a few countries and you have to pay also local call rates for the minutes you use

Radio: Short Wave (SW) radio reach absolutely everywhere and can be your only connection with the rest of the world in remote places where other networks are not available. To bring one of these multiband receivers is essential especially if you are going to work in remote areas (BBC World Service is for me the “gold standard”, but there are many other international and regional stations that broadcast in English. For those with access to internet (especially faster than dial up speeds) to listen radio stations through internet is a good option (take into account it will use around 50 megas/hour if you pay according to megas downloaded). To be connected to your own world –and your own country- helps to prevent “burnout syndrome” and it is highly recommended

Internet: We can find many different scenarios according to the setting and the logistic capacity of the organization you are working with:

a) Internet through satellite phones (Mini-M or BGAN): Just to send and receive emails (without attachments!) due to the high price of the subscription in these kind of services. Used just in remote areas (or as backup), your internet options are very limited here (Feel lucky that at least you have the mail!!)

b) Dial up connection: If you are working in the field, the most likely option. Speed connections of 56 Kbps or less can make anyone crazy when takes for ever to open any website. If you have your own computer, set up the Outlook (or your mail program) to send and receive emails. You will save a lot of time and can surf (in slow motion) in the internet while the mail is downloading. Skype works at these speeds and it is one of the most useful programs you can have in your computer

c) Internet Mobile 3G: In many developing countries, this option is starting to be available, even though just in the main cities. Using a USB modem connected to your computer and through prepaid or contract tariffs you can reach speeds of up to 3.6 MB/sec (in reality, divide this figure by 10, but still is pretty fast). Prices per Mega are around 3 times the tariff in Spain or other countries. One alternative to buy the USB modem (that will be useless when you return to your country or even when working in other developing countries) is to use your mobile phone as a modem (just feasible if has HSDPA technology. If not, the speed can be dial up-like). For that you will need an USB cable and some software (that probably will come with the cable or can be downloaded from the website of the mobile company....) If your mobile is locked, think in the possibility of purchasing an unlocked one with HSDPA and the option to download Skype before starting your mission. You will save money and it will increase your chances of being connected

d)Fix line broadband: Just accessible in the capitals of some developing countries. If that is your case, you will not notice too much the difference with your home country regarding internet