For most of the world's population, which lives in poverty, the Internet is as empty of meaning as their pockets are of money. The digital divide between rich and poor countries is often portrayed as apocalyptic, but a new gospel of philanthropic entrepreneurship is framing the situation in more opportunistic terms.
Example: LINCOS, or "little intelligence communities," a program created by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Media Lab and a nonprofit organisation in Costa Rica.
LINCOS creates cheap, mobile digital community centresâ€"20-foot recycled shipping containers with wireless telecommunications equipmentâ€"in which rural dwellers can access tailored services and information on the Internet.
The idea is that while the world's poor may not be ready to buy handhelds or PCs, they are ready to profit from information, which could theoretically profit everyone. Prototype LINCOS sites have already been deployed in Costa Rica where, among other things, coffee growers are scanning the Net for the best prices and next week's weather. Full setup costs for one LINCOS unit, equipment included, run about US$50,000, which makes them a feasible investment for governments and aid agencies. Lyle Hurst, director of HP World e-Inclusion, which helps fund LINCOS, says the centres will be a significant market opportunity for all involved.
"I think what you'll see over the next year is really the commercialisation phase of telecentres," Hurst says. "And that means rather than experimental sites in a few countries, you'll start to see broad rolloutsâ€"whole countries that will commit to a telecentre infrastructure. And they'll design their education and health care around the existence of telecenters."
As for HP's involvementâ€"which includes providing HP equipmentâ€" Hurst says it isn't just charity: "Down the road the five-year vision is that it's a significant HP business in size."
