Recipient Institution:
Centre for Research and Communication (CRC) Foundation

Project Leader:
Mr. Enrico Basilio, Director for Special Projects

Amount and Duration: US$ 29,974 / 20 months

Commencement Date:
January 2005

Abstract of Project
Convergence in information and communications technology (ICT) allows innovation and new cost-effective means for the achievement of universal access, especially the provision of ICT services to developing nations. ICT through community telecenters provides new opportunities for social and economic integration and can serve as a catalyst for a synergy of development goals and business objectives. Telecenters can provide access to isolated communities, provide marketing and distribution channels, drive down transactions cost, and help aggregate demand and buying power.

Telecenters are centers equipped with information infrastructure and an online content application. A basic feature that distinguishes a telecenter from a public phone access is that a variety of services are made available via the telecommunication link - voice, fax, email, web, etc. It exploits convergence in computer and telephone technologies, making investment in telecommunication more attractive.

Telecenters can play an important role in bridging the digital divide and improving the welfare of rural communities. However, the private sector and government have yet to realize the substantial socio-economic benefits and the potential income it can generate. Currently, there are no cohesive policies and programs to promote telecenters. Further, the private enterprises have yet to take advantage of the vast opportunities in telecentres.

The proposal seeks to develop a viable and self sustaining Philippine telecenter business model to allow wider access to information in marginalized communities while generating income for sustainable operation. Further, this project aims to identify gaps in the local programs on universal access and to recommend appropriate government interventions to jump start telecenter development in the Philippines.