Discord at digital divide talks

Discord at digital divide talks:

"Sharp divisions over how to bridge the digital divide between rich and poor have emerged ahead of a UN summit on the issue in December."

No wonder... with the presence of representatives from the private sector who ultimately care about their bottom line (i.e. $$$), it can hardly be expected that much will be achieved in terms of equality to information access. This sort of exercises lead nowhere unless there is a long stick that the ITU can use to implement the promoted initiatives, to even modestly tilt the balance of access to information.

"African nations have been rallying behind a proposal from Senegal to set up a new 'digital solidarity fund'"

"Many industrialised nations are wary of creating a new UN fund. Instead they favour encouraging investment by private companies and re-directing existing aid."

It appears that the issue of control and profits is the sticky point. So, the question does not seem to be as weather the developing countries should be 'helped' with advanced information technology. See my entry the seriousness of equal access to information for all - Information Summit where I've tried to present my concerns.