The world's big eight powers have endorsed an action plan to bridge the "digital divide" with the poorest countries.
Host nation Italy said leaders at a Group of Eight summit backed a task force report on how to harness technology in the cause of development.
The idea is to help those in poor countries gain better access to information and communications technology, if not on the desert floor then perhaps at communal sites in villages, and to promote the use of these technologies in reducing poverty.
Canada, next year's G8 chair, will work with Italy for the rest of this year and next on implementing the report, seeking private-sector volunteers to take the lead on each of nine action points.
