As more affordable technologies like the XO Laptop, the Eee PC, and others that make communication and education available to developing nations become more prolific, the divide between rich and poor countries is narrowing – but the developing world is still far behind.
The United Nations Conference Trade and Development said that 58 percent of worldwide cellular communications subscribers are from developing countries, tripling over the last five years.
“In Africa, where the increase in terms of the number of mobile phone subscribers and penetration has been greatest, this technology can improve the economic life of the population as a whole”
This lends weight to the theory that technology levels the playing field, handing advantage to those who take it.
Meaning that when the majority of people have access to tools like computing, communications, and education, instead of the rich having the upper hand because they have access to better tools, those who are creative and industrious enough will gain power. Simply put, when everyone has the tools, success belongs to intelligence, not access.
