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The cost of computer hardware has rapidly declined, assisting in their distribution to undeveloped areas. Donation programs also exist around the world that accept aging computer hardware, not suitable for complex data processing, but do provide simple functionality, like
Internet and e-mail, as to provide computers to areas that need them for such uses. In order to further reduce hardware costs, some communities utilize a thin-client approach in which there is one server that provides processing power, storage, and application access to simple and cheaper client computers.

Open-source software is free, and the code is published online, allowing users to find and repair bugs, and customize the software to meet individual needs. Linux is an open source operating system that many choose for the public nature of the code, but undeveloped areas choose it because it is free. This saves a lot of money over more expensive, proprietary solutions like those provided by Microsoft and other operating system manufacturers.

Sociological

Computers are still too expensive to be provided for each household; therefore, communities provide computer access in public areas, usually allowing residents to access the Internet and e-mail from one central location. This also enables the training of users, and the ability to ask questions when they should arise. Internet kiosks also exist in some areas, providing the public with the same services as the community centers, while allowing the freedom of locating them around a village.

These terminals would need to be connected, usually wirelessly. In the case of mobile telephony, one of the most famous examples is Grameen Phone, which provides GSM mobile telephones across Bangladesh. Grameen Phone had a revolutionary business model that provided a few local individuals in each community, usually women, with mobile hand-sets, and people would pay them to make phone calls. This provided money to the company, while at the same time, employing local women who were responsible for the hand-sets.

Governmental

Local and national government efforts have played a large role in bringing connectivity to less developed communities. China, through its Ministry of Information Industry, has been working on the "Village Connected" Project since 2004, to promote universal service in rural areas.

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Dr. Gursharan Singh Kainth specializes in Quantitative & Development Economics, and is currently Director of GAD Institute of Development Studies, Amritsar, a self-financed research institute. Has been honoured with various awards, including Guru Draunacharya Samman, Vijay Rattan Award, etc.
Ms. Kamalpreet Kaur is Research Scholar at GAD Institute of Development Studies.
Article posted on December 28, 2008.