This paper provides the reader with an overview of many of the issues related with telecentre initiatives around the world. It is intended to convey an understanding of the context in which the current CIDA Inc. and NECTEC telecentre projects are being undertaken in Thailand. While the review of recent telecentre literature conducted for this paper is by no means exhaustive, it does represent many of the issues facing telecentre project planners and proponents today. For the purposes of this paper, a telecentre is defined as a community based structure providing telephone service along with access to other information and communication technology (ICT) services, which may include fax, photocopier, computers, email and the world wide web (WWW).

The Paper emphasizes the importance of telecentres in the continuum and supports the theory that sustainability of telecentres and knowledge networks are equally important for sustainable development. This paper attempts to present the process of transformation from telecentres to knowledge hubs and the role of knowledge networks. It emphasizes the importance of telecentres in the continuum and supports the theory that sustainability of telecentres and knowledge networks are equally important. It highlights the role of knowledge hubs in empowering rural communities and challenges faced in maintaining the role of rural empowerment. Finally, recognizing the future role of knowledge networks, it presents some suggestions for ESCAP to facilitate the process of transformation leading to sustainable development.

This study examines some of the main telecenter experiments in Latin America, with particular reference to Central America and the Caribbean, to help guide IADB actions. In the region, Peru has the most persons who use the Internet from public access points; that country’s experience with cabinas públicas is therefore examined at length. As part of the study, visits were conducted to Brazil, Chile, El Salvador, Guatemala, Panama, and Peru. Additional information on experiences in other countries was obtained from secondary sources and through direct communication (via Internet, e-mail, and telephone) with telecenter administrators, specialists, and promoters.

This Compendium of ICT Applications on Electronic Government is a unique collection of current ICT applications being used directly by or in partnership with governments, governmental institutions and the private sector around the world to support administration and public service, while addressing governance challenges. The Compendium also presents private sector ICT applications that are available in the marketplace.