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Google, HSBC Offer Cheap Internet

by Erik Larson | September 9, 2008 at 06:30 pm

259 views | 7 Recommendations | 3 comments

3 billion people are getting broadband from Spain to South Africa, thanks to Google and HSBC. What ever other wrongs have been committed by these companies, this would seem to be a good thing.

LONDON -
Google and HSBC (nyse: HBC - news - people ) launched a plan Tuesday to provide a cheap and fast Internet connection to 3 billion people in an area from Spain to South Africa, a move to bridge the digital divide between developed and emerging markets.

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Rhonda J Mangus

flagged this story as Good Stuff

at 18:34 on September 9th, 2008

Erik Larson, I like this story. It's good stuff.

Emilio Lizardo

flagged this story as Good Stuff

at 01:29 on September 10th, 2008

This is almost unbelievable ... what's in it for them ?

Erik Larson

at 13:00 on September 10th, 2008

besides money? Hooking up 3 billion customers is expected to pay off in a big way over the long term, i assume. The internet contributes to economic growth, so improving access will improve ability to pay.