Qualcomm Establishes Computer Labs in Rural Communities

­Qualcomm and Room to Read, a nonprofit organization, have announced the establishment of wireless computer labs with 3G CDMA broadband Internet connectivity for rural schools in Nepal and Vietnam.

Each lab includes 20-25 computers and serves as many as 50 students during a class period. In addition to providing training for students to learn basic computer skills, each lab also plans to use technology to teach other subjects such as English, math and science.

"Access to online resources and educational materials can have a life-changing impact on students. Not only will they have connectivity that enables access to learning materials and communities for the first time, but they will also have the opportunity to gain specialized skills and training," said Dr. Paul E. Jacobs, chairman and CEO of Qualcomm. "Qualcomm is committed to enabling wireless technology to help improve socioeconomic conditions and enhance quality of life in local communities. I believe this project works to accomplish both of those goals and we are fortunate to be working with Room to Read, Nepal Telecom and S-Fone to address computer literacy in developing countries."

As part of the project, five wireless labs have been established in the Kaski and Kavre regions of Nepal and six labs in Can Tho Province of southern Vietnam. Qualcomm and Room to Read are working with Nepal Telecom and S-Fone in Nepal and Vietnam, respectively, to provide broadband connectivity in schools.

"The entire Room to Read team is thrilled to have Qualcomm as a collaborator in this important pilot program," said John Wood, founder and executive chairman of Room to Read. "By providing books and schools to nearly 10,000 communities in the developing world, Room to Read has opened up opportunities for children whose families face a cruel paradox - they are too poor to afford education, but until they have education, they will always be poor. Now, with the addition of technology and the Internet, these children will have access to a whole new world."

Posted to the site on 26th October 2009