1 Building a successful model for telecenters in rural areas Michael Yu-Chuan Lin Senior Analyst Research, Development, and Evaluation Commission Chinese Taipei

2 What telecenter? Internet access center Information training/promotion center

3 Why telecenter? Information for all Bridging digital divide

4 Big Gap Exists— PC Penetration Rate for Households Year: 2001

5 Where telecenter? Focus on rural/remote areas RDEC established 141 points for trial Local government’s efforts Private sectors’ efforts Year: 2001

6 Results and Lessons learned Few telecenters survived Maintenance cost underestimated Lack of local community support Lack of promotion and training Lack of qualified workforce Lack of content and services

7 How telecenter (1) Strategies: –Government support –Community involvement and ownership –Partner with private sectors/NGOs

8 How telecenter (2) Technical consideration: –Telecommunication: dial-up? ADSL? –Computer facilities: PC? Kiosk?

9 Multimedia Public Telephone Telecommunication ： XDSL 512/512K Handset Instruction Printer CCD Camera 10.4 inches Touch-Screen IC Card Reader

10 Appearance of Main Screen Telephone Video Phone Internet

11 When Used as a Telephone

12 Take a picture and sent it out.

13 Virtual Keyboard on the Screen

14 How telecenter (3) Training: cooperate with local schools, corporate donations Promotion and marketing: involved with local people’s culture and life Content and services are key factors

15 Thank You