- What is the extent of the digital divide in Laos?
Although there is a huge divide in Laos there are methods to get around it. More wealthy countries have been able to help places like Laos gain access to ICT and the internet by using the "Cantennea" or the "pedal power computers" There are other places with a larger divide.
- What problems have caused the divide.
The mountainous geography.
The weather with its monsoon rains.
A frustrating lack of co-ordination among government agencies.
A lack of IT standards to allow integration between systems
A lack of IT knowledge at policy and skills levels.
A poor power and telecommunications infrastructure.
A poor ISP service.
The high relative costs of ICT
The lack of LAotian language support, especially for training materials.
- What is the impact of the divide on Laos?
There is not a massive impact on Laos since that is the way they have lived for centries. They have however had a huge benfit from being able to access the internet in at least a few places.
- What solutions ave been provided so far?
The Cantennea to provide a cheap and easy DIY solutions to wireless internet.
Pedal power computers with internet access in remote villages that is very cost effective.
- What do you think the educational, social, economic and cultural impacts of these solutions are?
Educational: They have access to the internet that allows them to learn new things for future generations.
Social: They are able to talk to people accross the world.
Economic: They are able to make informed desitions about what to do with their trades and goods.
Culture: They have been improved so they are able to improve there output and income.
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