Author examines the challenges and limitation of recent ICT developments, especially when "for millions of people, they remain no more than a dream." Also reminds that the concept of "communications technology" encompasses more than computers and the internet.
In the Peruvian Amazon, western-style education destroyed local knowledge, says the author. But trained indigenous teachers are restoring confidence in traditional values.
Author asks whether new communications technologies can solve global development problems, or are they just a new way to make old mistakes? Examines the assumption that if you move data around instead of physical objects, then you can reduce pollution and energy use significantly. For example, analyses need to include environmental costs of the computers and networks themselves.
