Intel and USAID Commit to Broaden Technology Access in Emerging Markets

SANTA CLARA, Calif. - February 8, 2007 - Intel Corporation and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) are working together to broaden access and usage of information and communications technology (ICT) in developing communities around the world. The organizations signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU), identifying three areas of common focus: increasing the use of ICT in education, enabling last mile Internet connectivity and supporting ICT usage by small- and medium-sized businesses to enhance economic development opportunities.

Intel and USAID share the belief of the importance of ICT in accelerating social and economic development in emerging markets. The two organizations have been working together to develop successful community projects in developing communities preceding the MOU, such as installing WiMAX technology in Vietnam. In 2006, Intel, USAID and Vietnam Data Communication Company worked together to install WiMAX technology in L?o Cai, a city in the mountainous, rural northern Vietnam where telecommunications services are limited. WiMAX offers access to cost-efficient broadband internet and Voice over IP telephony for L?o Cai's citizens, who depend on good communications to build robust economic relationships with neighboring trading partners. Successful project engagements and technology deployments such as these help create a model from which Intel and USAID plan to extend that relationship more broadly. Read more...