The Benefits, Innovations, and Uses of Information and Communication Technology at the Base of the Pyramid

Information and communication technology is being used in the developing world by businesses, NGOs, and governments. They are supporting a variety of initiatives using various wired, wireless, and computer technologies. These initiatives provide advantages to local communities in the form of improved economic prospects, and consumer and social benefits. Companies and organizations may benefit as well by improving their operations, creating innovations, or finding new markets. We have analyzed over 1,000 initiatives describing such activities in India, China, Latin America/Caribbean, and Africa. We provide an empirical description of key features, innovations, and benefits of the initiatives in each region and the ways in which these regions are both similar and different