Development of a Philippine Business Model and Government Intervention Strategies on Telecenters / Joel D. Umali

Year : 2004

Number of Pages : 74 leaves

Adviser : Prof. Raffy Mananghaya

Executive Summary

Convergence in information and communications technology (ICT) allows innovation and new cost-effective opportunities for the provision of ICT services to developing nations. The private sector can utilize ICT as a tool for development which will not only enhance access to information but will generate income in rural areas. One ICT development tool which has been successful in a number of developing countries, is the community telecenters. These are centers equipped with information infrastructure such as telephone lines, computers, printers, facsimile, internet connection and an online content application. Telecenters envision to expedite universal access to information targeted towards marginalized rural communities where access to information is limited. In the Philippines, telecenters can play an important role in bridging the digital divide and improving the welfare of rural communities. This project paper seeks to develop a citizen-centric, market-oriented telecenter. At the end of the project, it is envisioned that an appropriate Philippine business model and implementation strategies to establish telecenters in a 3rd or 4th class municipality will be developed. Lastly, this project aims to identify gaps in the local programs on universal access to information and specifically recommend appropriate government policies for establishing telecenters.