A couple weeks ago I wrote extensively about the $100 laptop and the potential impact the project could have on increasing educational attainment in developing nations.
One of the major determinants of whether or not the project will be successful is the growth of public internet access in places where connectivity is very low or non-existent.
Private investment in infrastructure projects has been waning in recent years. This is reflective of widespread rejection of IMF and World Bank mandated Neo-Liberal economic programs that have led to graft, increased income inequality, and increasing poverty. However, the problem of internet connectivity, while be no means the most grave problem, could potentially be handled by private companies.
Martin, Argentine Entrepreneur...Happy?
FON a, Spanish start-up, has set out to make the internet “super” accessible and create a global community of people who share WI-FI connections. Their technology involves installing an FON ready router to your existing internet connection that will allow you to share your connection with other “FONEROS” who also agree to share their connections or pay a nominal fee to acess yours. This company, founded by an ambitious Argentine entrepreneur, has received tremendous support from Google, Skype and some major Silicon Valley venture capital firms. The interest shown by Google, who has hinted at providing free internet access in certain U.S. municipalities, and Skype, who has revolutionized VOIP technology, gives optimism towards the notion of affordable communication technology worldwide. With boatloads of cash and a commitment towards philanthropy (google.org) Google could potentially make its GoogleNet far reaching, and with the help of FON could have the world blanketed with internet access. In places where microfinance and micro-enterprise is thriving, Google could charge a micro fee to local entrepreneurs to advertise their products on an extended GoogleNet, reaching internet consumers on new $100 laptop. This is an idealistic, optimistic way in which the connectivity problem that faces the $100 laptop could be solved. These innovations are particularly uplifting given not only the “evil” stance taken by Google in China (as highlighted by B.Libertad), but also the increasing backlash towards private investment in infrastructure and development projects.
**please see link and FON logo in sidebar**
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