World Telecommunication Day: Jehovah’s Witnesses innovate devices for limited or no Internet access areas

*As the world celebrates this year’s World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, Jehovah’s Witnesses have highlighted how they use modern technologies, even devising new tools to help those who have limited or no Internet service to access their massive library of digital publications

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

As the world celebrates this year’s World Telecommunication and Information Society (WTIS) Day May 17, Jehovah’s Witnesses have highlighted how they use modern technologies, even devising new tools.

The organisation stated such new tools are designed to help those who have limited or no Internet service to access their massive library of digital publications.

From a small box with a router to satellite channels, Jehovah’s Witnesses are using modern technology to reach people who have limited or no access to the Internet around the world.

In his remarks on the development, Mr. Isaac Phil-Etanireri, Spokesperson for Jehovah’s Witnesses, said: “We use technology in any way that we can to reach our neighbors with practical, Bible-based information for daily life.

“Whether it is help for families, questions about how to achieve happiness or a hope for the future, it is all there in the Bible, and we want people to see that.”

Phil-Etanireri stated: “We understand that for many people in some countries, Internet access is sparse, and in some areas, it is also very slow and very expensive.

“It is our aim to make sure as many people as possible have access to the valuable resources on the jw.org Web site despite where they may live, or challenges with access to technology.”

As of January 2024, there were 5.35 billion Internet users globally, but a digital divide persists with many in the least developed countries lacking reliable connection to the internet.

A recent research found that “countries with the lowest Internet penetration include North Korea, Central African Republic, Burundi, South Sudan and Niger. In Nigeria, many in rural communities have limited access to Internet resources.”

Jehovah’s Witnesses use several methods to provide content in lands with limited technology, including the following:

• Radio and Television: In some countries, Jehovah’s Witnesses broadcast their annual conventions on the radio and television.
• Satellite: Jehovah’s Witnesses use satellite technology to make their Internet television programme – JW Broadcasting, available in Africa.
• JW Box: Jehovah’s Witnesses developed JW Box to transfer digital content to people who cannot afford Internet access, live in areas with slow Internet or frequent outages or have no Internet at all.

Rose, an Internet user in Nigeria, said: “I am happy to say that the JW satellite channel has replaced my addiction to the news channel. When I watched the news, I was easily irritated by what I saw, and my blood pressure would rise.

“But JW Broadcasting is so upbuilding and serene! It is my favourite channel.”

Ivana, an 8-year-old girl living in Lagos, stated: “JW Broadcasting helps me to see new places and the people living there. It also helps me to connect with my brothers and sisters in other parts of the world.”

For Benjamin, a 79-year-old man, in Nigeria commented: “The talks on JW Broadcasting are warm, illuminating and animating. The experiences shared during the broadcast are practical, faith-building and most encouraging!”

Jehovah’s Witnesses also have an official Web site, jw.org, which remains the most translated Web site in the world, and it is accessible in over 1,070 languages, including over 100 sign languages.

They noted: “It contains Bible-based articles for families, information about peace and happiness, timely news articles, music, movies and other videos and animated shorts.”

For more information, please visit jw.org.

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