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The TELEPROMISE (Telematics to Provide for Missing Services) project commenced in January 1996. For rural communities in the 3 validation sites in the Netherlands, Denmark and Ireland, citizens will be provided with remote access to a range of telematics-based services which currently involve them in a journey to facilities located elsewhere. Quality of life of rural citizens is thus improved while telecommunications reduces the need to travel. During the project, the principal activities have included: |
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1996 |
1 |
local research and identification of pilot communities |
2 |
intensive involvement of local user groups |
3 |
engagement with local suppliers and providers |
4 |
matching 2 and 3 (quantitatively & qualitatively) |
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1997 |
5 |
initial development of technology platform, terminals, graphical user interface & applications |
6 |
user & market testing of 5 (verification) |
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1998 |
7 |
setting up of operating services |
8 |
demonstration and evaluation of services, including questionnaire surveys, interviews, collection of qualitative and quantitative data, etc. |
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1999 |
9 |
modifications based on 8 |
10 |
exploitation and dissemination |
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The types of services to be provided on the system can broadly be divided into five: |
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tele-shopping (food or non-food) |
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information services (both one-way and interactive) |
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local bulletin board |
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local debate fora |
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access to database information |
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The project is ‘community-based’ such that many of the providers of the services are located within or near to the pilot communities. This is also an important issue in relation to realising the logistics (e.g. delivery of goods ordered) which is an integral part of the project. |
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The project originally pursued a ‘hybrid’ technology solution, incorporating both customised hardware and software designed to maximise user friendliness for non-computer users as well as Internet-based solutions, notably where providers have developed, or are developing, web-sites as a means of service delivery. However, feedback from users and suppliers has now led to a fully Internet/WWW technology platform. |
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The project has examined the relative demand for these different types of services, including in different rural contexts, and the costs and benefits arising with the aim of demonstrating how a viable package of private and public telematics services can be implemented in rural areas across Europe. |
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