The concept of a 'global digital divide' is now common, and many cross-country studies of determinants of differences in computer and Internet penetration have been performed. The main conclusions and policy implications from these studies are relatively blunt: get richer, have more telephones,...

The idea of a 'global digital divide' is well accepted, and cross-country studies of determinants of differences in computer and Internet penetration have identified income, telecommunications infrastructure, and regulatory quality as key influencing factors. The policy implications from these...

Can information technology (IT) contribute to broad economic development? Can the benefits of IT reach the poor, through better access to education or to government services? We examine two ongoing projects that aim to provide IT-based services to rural populations in India. Several features...