The major technologies to be utilized are the Hundred Dollar Laptop (or HDL – a MIT Media Lab creation), Wireless Mesh Networks, GPS or digital maps, voice over internet protocol (VoIP), open source or custom tele-health software, and free or open source operating systems (like a customized version of Linux).
The HDL would be used as the primary hardware/platform that would be used by each child in the area. These platforms would typically act as nodes in the wireless mesh network that would be naturally created as part of an HDL's feature. A kiosk will be set up in each village that will act as a technical support centre. The computer in the kiosk will have an operating system tailored to specifically meet the needs of the people, i.e. the interface language (would be in the residents' mother tongue); would be installed with necessary software like Skype (a free VoIP software), a video conferencing software and the like.
Through mesh networks, a network will be generated within the village; all users of an HDL (or whichever node) can use Skype to communicate; seminars can be conducted to increase awareness (say, on health) or make announcements. Setting up different/individual networks for various classes of workers (farmers, teachers and municipal…).
Integration of individual intra-village networks to form inter-village networks. For example, farmers of one village can contact with farmers of another village to know about prices, yields and miscellaneous advice. Similarly, a network for teachers in each rural area to co-ordinate with each other could be set up.
Customized software would be used (would act as in interface for the users) to enable the communication between wireless clinics, that would be set up in each major rural area, and the users in the villages. Global positioning technology can be utilized to pinpoint the accurate location of a health outbreak, and those wireless clinics would then rush to those locations to provide quick treatment. Simultaneously, using algorithms, demographical data (for example, “people living in this area are vulnerable to this kind of disease, or virus”) can be stored in a digital map for future references. This would further help the quick treatment of outbreak patients.
