We now have the technological means to provide unparalleled access to knowledge for every remote village outpost from Africa to Latin America. Whether or not this vision is ever realised depends on the decisions we make now. Educational opportunities will ubiquitous for those who can afford the fees and access. Concerned over those who can't, global organisations and business leaders have begun ringing the alarm for support.

This fascinating paper looks at the conundrum of providing universal Internet access given that only one in 20 people around the world are online and most of those (60%) live in North America (only 5% of the world's population). In all of Africa, there are a mere 14 million phone lines - fewer than in Manhattan or Tokyo.

The author takes us on a whirlwind tour of some of the latest initiatives in bridging the gap e.g. online education in one of the poorest villages in Cambodia via a satellite dish powered by a simple solar power system, 14 telecottages across the rural regions of Hungary providing public Internet access to local low-income residents for information services including education and training. As the author observes, "if you think education is expensive, try pricing ignorance".