* FREE VERSION *The article addresses the issues of huge investments in ICT by developing countries as a means of bridging the digital divide but says that the contribution of these investments to national development is doubtful. It suggests that the benefits to development will be more if the investments were diverted to address more fundamental problems in such areas as health, education, etc.
It sees mobile phones as having the greatest impact on development because of their ease of use and their potential to positively affect the lives of the rural population. He points to statistics which show dramatic improvements in the economy and GDP of those countries that have made significant investments in mobile phones.
While it is true that mobile phones are good for development, the critical importance of ICT, the engine of the new information society, cannot be over-emphasized. The general conclusions of the article appear controversial.
Dorothy
Other than the issues on promoting multinational telecommunication organisations, it is important to note that even though the mobile phone is more readily availble, the cost to the user is quite high. Further, when one compares ICT to education,health etc., i think they are missing the point as we are discussing e-education,e-medicine and even e-governance. Let' examine content and not Technology per sey.
In addition to discussing in class, is there a way we can respond to the economist? "letters to editor" maybe!!!!!!!
* FREE VERSION *