No government can hope to satisfy on its own the tremendous demand that exists. Countries like Chile have shown that with the right policies in place they can create a revolution in access and affordability. A recent World Bank study of Internet access pricing in Africa found that countries with the least liberal markets had access charges 700 percent higher than countries with the most liberal telecommunications regimes on the continent. We also must encourage the development of hardware and software that meets the needs of the developing world. Third, we must help developing countries build human capacity.
Human capacity is an often-neglected component of building a digital society.
Human capacity begins with basic education and literacy. Citizens must have the underlying skills to use the technology effectively. Teachers must have the knowledge necessary to train their students. Regulators must have the capacity to establish the appropriate regulatory and policy environment. Public institutions, including schools, research centers and universities must be prepared to share their knowledge online.