Information and communication technologies (ICTs) are increasingly seen as integral to the development process. This working paper reviews: (a) some of the evidence for the link between telecommunications and the internet and economic growth; (b) the likely impact of the new ICTs on income inequality; and (c) anecdotal evidence regarding the role of the Internet in improving government services and governance. This study looks at methods to maximize access to the new ICTs, and to improve their development impact in both the generation of income and the provision of quality services.

Jake Reynolds has a life most would be satisfied with; a steady job, a nice house, and he even has time to go to the local bar once a week to have a few beers with friends. Every Thursday night he meets his friends there for the usual round as they discuss and complain about their lives, as well as make an occasional bet. Although it's the same predictable routine that has Jake pondering if he can really live like this for the rest of his life. Slowly Jake starts doing anything he can to find the happiness he's missing. What he doesn't expect in his search for happiness is how it will affect...