Case Study - Laos

What is the extent of the digital divide in Laos?
The digital divide in Laos in huge, this is because there is thought to be less than 15000 computers.
Only 1% of the population have a fixed phone line
Literacy is low at 47%
Electricity is only available in a few urban areas
Lack of written information

What problems have caused the divide?
The mountainous geography
The weather with its monsoon rains
A lack of coordination among government agencies
Lack of IT standards to allow integration between systems
Lack of IT knowledge
Poor power and telecommunications infrastructure
Poor ISP service
High costs of ICT
Lack of language support

What is the impact of the divide on Laos?
Laos is one of the poorest countries in the world and has many people who are unable to read and write, or do not work and live in poverty.
Because they are not technically advanced or have the capabilities to the people are missing out are disadvantaged because of the divide.
This could be improved of the solutions were more wide spread.

What solutions have been provided so far?
Cantennae
Pedal powered wireless computer in Phon Kham
The Jhai Foundation PC and communication and internet learning centres

Educational, Social, Economic and Cultural Impacts of the Solutions
Many people world be able to take advantage of the facilities and then make economic use, communicate with friends and family, lean new skills and research their culture and other things which may I interest them, e.g. current affairs.
This would have both positive and negative impacts for the people of Laos