Information Infrastructure in Developing Countries: Bridging the Urban - Rural Divide

摘要

Developing countries need to stimulate economic and social development in their rural areas to minimize the gap some call the "Digital Divide." However, they are often unable to deliver basic telecommunications infrastructure services to remote communities due to the high costs and other barriers. In this paper, we examine approaches that could be used to deploy simple and practical information infrastructure leveraging technologies such as portable computers, wireless telecommunications, and alternative energy sources like solar power as a means of delivering basic Internet access to remote areas at comparatively low cost. We examine some of the key challenges likely to be encountered in implementing such an initiative and possible solutions to meet those challenges.