Developing countries

There is a 'Digital divide' between rich and poor countries. In the UK it is taken for granted that the electricty supply works, that a telephone system is in place. But there are many poorer nations that do not have these things to any extent..

ICT can be very useful in developing countries. For example, farmers are able to check the prices they may get for their harvest before setting out to market.

Health messages can be sent by text if a mobile phone system is in place.

Many organisations are setting out to help break down the digital divide between nations.

This lady in Bangladesh was able to purchase a single mobile phone by borrowing from a bank.

She was then able to sell phone calls to the rest of the village, who were able to contact family and friends from afar.

She is called the 'telephone lady' by the villagers and one of the first things she bought with her new income was a bicycle for her son so he could get to school.

Stories

The article below has personal views on the Digital divide from people around the world.

Is technology leaving you behind?