Deploying old systems in this manner does not mean that poor people are limited by dead-end technology. But newer systems, sensibly configured, would be attractive buys for the rising poor.

The first step up could be a 486 based Linux system with a graphical interface and CDROM drive. Configuring a number of these together in local networks with proxy servers could provide near full Internet Web access to rural schools and community centres. The local centres, running a script on a small server, could download overnight the Web pages required for the following day using the slow Community cellphone network. The fact that a call was taking several hours would not matter since the network would be under utilised when people were asleep.

As demand and incomes increased local alternative cellular systems could be deployed, mapped onto the same areas with smaller cells. The Travelling Modem Man would pass into history as the state-of-the-art workstation came with its own built-in cellular phone.

But aside from doing good by giving poor people "life chances", the integration of the poor into the world's network would create a vast new market for goods and services. It would be a major fillip to international trade. Digital books and literature would find new outlets. Support companies would spring up to help service and upgrade systems. Service companies would market add-on services and training courses. All reinforcing the desire to participate in the Information Society, to use computers in community networks to enhance each others lives.

Conclusions