Information and communications technologies have the power to change the way we practice both business and development throughout the world. The digital divide, defined by a lack of access to information for a specific population, symbolizes the largest difference between developed and developing countries: the opportunity to obtain and utilize information. The digital divide runs much deeper than hardware and software. The real heart of the digital divide is that those without access to information resources often suffer needlessly while the solutions to their problems are floating in the air.

The Rural Internet Kiosk (RIK) is an independent self contained 100% solar powered kiosk featuring three industrial design computer terminals a manned administrator terminal, and broadband wireless Internet connectivity. RIK has been designed to help bridge the digital divide in Africa and concentrates on connecting rural areas is high percentage of the population who have no access to ICT infrastructure.

The kiosks are designed for deployment in any location in rural Africa, whether the infrastructure is in place or not. By using solar panels and satellite internet access through Astra2Connect, we are able to reach those people waiting on the other side of the digital divide.

Please see our YouTube Channel at http://www.youtube.com/user/ruralinternetkiosks

Images available at http://picasaweb.google.com/voicesofafrica4SD/RIKPhotos