This novel book, motivated by the recent introduction of a major innovation in information technology, explores the possibility of the Internet being made available to millions of poor people in developing countries, who are not yet connected. The new technology, known as a smart feature phone, is based on open-source software and otherwise designed for a low-income population. The purpose of this book is to examine the origins, spread and impact of this innovation. Much attention is paid to literacy and digital skills, which determine the benefits that are actually derived.

Presents an innovation that offers the Internet to tens of millions of less privileged people in developing countries Examines the central role of literacy and digital skills in determining what benefits are derived from the Internet Compares the divide between rich and poor countries in digital skills with the divide in access to the Internet

Autorentext

Jeffrey James is Emeritus Professor of Development Economics at Tilburg University (The Netherlands). Prior to that, he worked at Boston University (USA) and Oxford University (UK). His primary research interest is in information technology and development. He has conducted field research in East Africa and Latin America. James has written or edited various books and numerous peer-reviewed articles.