[Telecentres] NGOs buying telecenter connect time to give away?

[Donald Z. Osborn]

A correspondent with recent experience in Mali noted that many telecenters "have
troubles 'selling' internet hours. So NGO's will buy large quantities to give
away to the local population, especially to teachers, doctors and the
like...."

Is this a common practice in other countries / projects? What does it say about
sustainability of a telecenter project? What ideas to make such practice work
better or to avoid it enirely?

I'll BCC the individual who told me this. At a later time it may be interesting
to share an ideas they are working on.

Don Osborn
Bisharat.net