UK Aims to Bring Entire Population Online with Subsidized PCs

Posted 01/18/2011 at 5:45am | by Pulkit Chandna

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Linux has always been the go-to operating system for governments and non-profits trying to empower technology-starved people around the world with cheap, no-frills computers. So it is no surprise that the UK government has chosen the open-source OS for subsidized computers that will soon be offered to those Brits that are yet to log on to the internet (around 9.2 million) under its Race Online 2012 scheme, an initiative that the government there believes can help UK become the first nation in the world to have its entire population online.

Under this scheme, both PCs and internet connections will be subsidized so as to lure internet holdouts. The starting price for the affordable PCs will be just a shade over $150 (£98), with subsidized internet connections costing $14 (£9) per month. The PCs will include a flat-screen monitor, keyboard, mouse, warranty, dedicated telephone helpline and delivery, according to a BBC News report. The initial goal is to sell around 8,000 PCs during the 12-month trial period.

Image Credit: The Pirata