We count down the top five most widely read articles published by ICT Pulse in 2017.
Of the nearly 140 articles published on ICT Pulse for 2017, below are the five most widely read of the year. Based on our past lists, there are a few surprises of articles that did not make the cut. If you have not yet done so, do take to the opportunity to check out those that did.
5. Is telecoms in the Caribbean in trouble?
As early as March, we highlighted the fact that that 2017 seemed to be gearing up to be a challenging year for telecom companies across the region. Furthermore, the difficulties were not limited to the incumbent carriers, some of the newer, but longstanding, players were also feeling the pinch, which ranged from job cuts and financial challenges, to resisting new regulatory programmes in the face of increasing competition.
4. Unleashing the Internet: does the Caribbean have what it takes?
This article celebrated the release of a new report by the Internet Society: Unleashing the Internet in the Caribbean: Removing Barriers to Connectivity and Stimulating Better Access in the Region. The report examined the state of the Internet the Caribbean, with a specific focus on eleven countries: the Bahamas, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Curaçao, Dominica, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Sint Maarten, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago. It also highlighted the main challenges being experienced in unleashing the Internet in the region, and recommendations were made on how to better manage those challenges and capitalise on the opportunities.
3. Best programming language to learn in 2017
Software development jobs have been, and will continue to be, one of the fastest growing segment of all occupations. For both professional software developers and those who just want to broaden their skills base to increase their marketability, it is useful to know what programming languages are in demand. Our top 10 list featured a mix of well-established languages that are integral to many commonly used applications, and some newer languages that are considered easier to learn and so tend to have a wider appeal.
2. Key issues, opportunities and challenges of e-testing
Although electronic (e-) testing has been around for years, January 2017 marked the first time the regional examination body, the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) had permitted that format. Our article thus sought to highlight some of the issues, opportunities and challenges that both CXC and the 16 participating Caribbean countries would need to address to ensure that e-testing is not only safe and secure, but also readily available to all prospective examination candidates across the region.
1. Snapshot: 2017 update of internet speeds and pricing across the Caribbean
In first place for the second year running, thus highlighting the continued popularity of our Snapshot series, is our update of Internet speed and pricing in the region. As the role of the Internet in the lives of Caribbean citizens continues to increase, people are curious about how the service available in their country compares across region. Our 2017 review did not disappoint, as prices have dropped and/or download speeds have increased in many countries.
Honourable mentions:
6. A matter of trust? Why is the Caribbean still behind in conducting digital transactions online?
7. Snapshot: update of actual internet download speeds from across the Caribbean, 2017
8. Expert insights 1: cyber threats and security in the Caribbean 2017 update
9. 4 reasons why tech events tend to fail in the Caribbean
10. 4 ICT/tech developments we are likely to see in the Caribbean in 2017
Image credit: MrsBrown (Pixabay)
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