Here’s another lesson in not assuming what people in other countries would want, based on our Western notions. As Iraq gets cell networks up and running, the towers need to go somewhere – and Iraqis are glad to be picked by the companies to put them on their houses:
1-The phone company would pay the house owner (the host) 500 $ per month for allowing the company to install the tower in on his house’s roof or in the garden.
2-The deal would also include installing a diesel power generator to keep the tower functioning 24/7 and this means the family would not face any problem with electricity through out the duration of the contract and in Baghdad’s summer season this is an invaluable bonus.
3-The host would certainly get excellent network coverage!
Most Americans would probably think “what an eyesore! Call the congressman!” Let’s hope Iraq develops so well economically that residents start becoming overweening environmentalists, for that is the mark of wealth.
I’m a tech journalist who’s making a TV show about a college newspaper.