Expert says introducing computers and internet access in rural areas can succeed in the Pacific

A consultant with the 2020 Communications Trust in New Zealand, Ian Thomson, says Introducing computers and Internet access in rural areas can succeed in the Pacific region.

Mr Thomson says providing Internet access in the region is possible because the cost of doing so is getting cheaper.

"The cost of getting access to the Internet now is coming down quite a lot, so I think it's very affordable and doable in the Pacific islands. There are a few things that we have to get through, few barriers and regulations and issues like that, but it's very affordable."

Mr Thomson says one of the key issues in getting access to the right information at the right time, adding that most people think computers and the Internet provide much information, which enable them to make better decisions.

He says the 2020 Communications Trust was set up 10 years ago to look at the digital divide or access to Internet and computers.

Mr Thomson says the Trust had introduced to the people, computers and the Internet through training and technical support.

He says in the last four years the Trust had extended its experience to the Pacific and is now working with a number of Pacific islands governments on the issue.

Mr Thomson was speaking yesterday at the regional Internet conference being held in Honiara.

Source: SIBC