NST - 4 March 2007 - Affordable broadband technology for rural folk by Shahrum Sayuthi
PEKAN: Affordable wireless broadband technology will play a vital role in bridging the digital divide between the urban and rural areas.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said the introduction of wireless broadband would make it easier for people, especially in rural areas, to access the Internet and other information and communication technology (ICT) services.
"The use of such technology will help ensure the benefits of ICT reach all the way to the grassroots segment of our society, instead of being restricted to a privileged few," he said at the launch of the Siemens Digital Lifestyle Awareness Showcase programme here yesterday. Najib described the existing digital divide as a factor contributing to the "new poverty" among those left out of the advances of the information age.
"Promoting ICT usage as a culture in this country would enrich our society as a whole, including people such as farmers and petty traders who could benefit from the information they can get from the Internet."
He lauded the move by Siemens Networks Malaysia and its partner in the programme, Telekom Malaysia Bhd, for providing an affordable broadband to rural areas.
Doering said the government and Telekom Malaysia had been open and ready to try out new technology especially in remote areas and this would help the nation’s mission to narrow the gap that once existed between advanced countries and developing countries. For heaven's sake, what is this hard up for narrowing the digital gap. You think the poor farmer who has to work his butt off everyday just for some food on the table will be too concerned whether he can get on the Internet. What bull is this?? What is more IMPORTANT is the poverty-divide.
You SOLVE the poverty issue and the farmer will gladly sit back and relax and will be able to do other things. Let's not get blinded by all these technology nonsense ... I think better use can be found for the money spent on the hardware. It really boggles the mind to figure out what ICT services the rural folks are after, other than the telephone and the TV and radio. Can somebody enlighten me on this?? Would electricity and clean water supply fall under the 'want' category .. throw in good roads as well.... aiyaa.. tak tau lah ..
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