[LINK] PRC: Rural Internet set for expansion

[Antony Barry]

5. PRC: Rural Internet set for expansion

Source: China Daily

"Internet users in PRC have increased from 620,000 in 1997 to over 87 
million today, making the country second only to the United States in 
Internet user numbers. Yet, for more than 60 per cent of China's 
population that is based in rural areas it is estimated they have 
access to only 0.8 per cent of total Internet connections.

With information and communication technology such an integral part of 
education today, this digital divide will impact heavily on the 
development potentials of China's children. In the coming years, China 
will inject 10 billion yuan (US$1.2 billion) into distance education, 
10 billion yuan into building schools in poor areas and huge sums have 
already been earmarked by the government for developing the teaching 
force."

Full article: 
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2004-12/10/content_399302.htm
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