Intel To Invest Over $1 Billion For Emerging Markets Internet

Intel said May 2 it plans to invest more than one billion dollars over the next five years to speed access to technology and education for people in the developing world. The objectives of the World Ahead Program are to extend broadband Internet access to the world's next billion users while training 10 million more teachers on the use of technology in education, the biggest maker of computer chips said.

"Decades of providing technology in growing volume and at decreasing costs have driven great gains for developing nations, communities and people worldwide, but there is still much to do," said Paul Otellini, Intel's president and chief executive officer.

Intel's past investments have included programs in 52 countries to make it easier for people to purchase or lease PCs. In 2005, according to the company, 8.5 million PCs were included in these efforts.

Copyright Agence France-Presse, 2006