NDTVPROFIT.COM -- HK-BASED FIRM TO GIVE FREE PCS TO LOWER INCOME GROUP
12 November , 2005Author Unknown
Hong Kong-based company, Asiatotal.Net, has said it will provide the world's first free computer, specially designed for easy access to the Internet, and targeted for lower income groups across the world.
"So far we only have telephone line requirement. No ownership of computer, and the minimum level of income. We believe the number of applicants is going to be larger. That will be a random process," said Judy Chen, CEO, Asiatotal.Net.
The project is based on a self-financing business model, with sponsors who will participate in the working of the model.
Specially designed hotkeys will have access to the services of the sponsors, which will vary from country to country.
"Normally there are two costs for people to get on the Internet. Cost of the machine and cost of the connection," Chen said.
"For our company, we've come up with this unique business model to help people resolve the cost of the machine, and as for the cost of the connection, we're not a telephone company," she explained.
The recipients of these free machines will be chosen according to their economic backgrounds and the availability of a basic telephone connection.
The first 200,000 units will be sent to Brazil, and India will follow soon after. If successful, it could narrow the digital gap between rural and urban communities.
