Fellows,<BR><BR>The recent trend to promote Telecenter at rural areas has a
critical challenge of Sustainability. In terms of social aspects, it brings
a wide range of benefits for the user community which ensures the social
sustainability of Telecenter. Regarding economic viability, new approaches
are blooming like introduction of Business services and Information for the
local & rural communties. It is important to bring some Income
Generating Activities (IGA) can uplift the financial aspects of the center
to make some money to gear up the interest of the operators.<BR>Still it is
not scalable and possible to made any conclusion that the Telecenter will
become economically viable through offereing these services. But will help
at a significant level. It also requires some strong back up support form
the Parent organization to build Strategic Network & Partnership among
the Information & service provider. <BR>Development partners should
concentrate to initiate projects for building partnership & establish
network with proper support for the Information & Service provider which
will ultimately support the end users.<BR>WSIS may be right platform to
discuss these issues and initiate new ideas to promote & strengthen the
information and service providers for rural communities.<BR>The Working
Group may assist to outline such initiatives.<BR>Best,<BR>Shahid Uddin
Akbar<BR>Coordinator<BR>ICTDP'B<BR>