Digital homes: “Closing the digital divide in Mexico.”
I just came across this article in a local paper. Warning: Spanish content: El Financiero en línea
(http://www.elfinanciero.com.mx/ElFinanciero/Portal/cfpages/contentmgr.cfm?docId=21360&docTipo=1&orderby=docid&sortby=ASC)
The article’s title caught my attention: "Agreement Signed to launch Digital Homes."
The basic idea: Microsoft, Intel, and two local Mexican companies are partnering to include computers and internet access in 25,000 newly constructed homes. According to the article, these homes are in "social interest" and Middle class income ranges. Broadband Internet, I imagine for the low income folks, will be offered on a "pre-paid" system - kind of like long-distance telephone cards.
Computers will be provided "free of charge" to those who opt to buy homes starting at 170 thousand Mexican Pesos. (where the heck would these places be? Hours and hours away from civilization I bet.)
According to the folks at Intel, Microsoft, Homex and Grupo Elektra - the objective of this program is to help bridge the growing digital divide that exists in the country.
According to stats: Less than 5% of the population has access to the internet in Mexico, and and not even 9% of folks in the country have a computer at home.
My only question: If only 9% of people in Mexico have computers at home, how many people actually have enough money to afford to buy a new house in order to enjoy the new computer and broadband?
