To finance infrastructure, governments can enter into partnerships with the private sector.  See Chapter 7.  Funding mechanisms could include universal services funds. Governments can also provide incentives to the private sector to donate equipment and training. Further, NGOs can play a role in program implementation, including by advocating for marginalized groups and, based on their grassroots experience, helping to shape government programs.

An illustration of the use of public-private partnerships is the Gyandoot, India Project: a community based-program in which roaming entrepreneurs team up with the government to bring e-Government services to villages. The project built portable kiosks run as commercial enterprises. The system accesses the Internet via wireless. In general, the micro-enterprise model has been successful in bringing connectivity to underserved areas in a way that ensures sustainability.

Another example is the Romanian Information Technology Initiative – Access, which provides support to entrepreneurs to develop economically viable tele-centers, partnering with local NGOs to expand the usage of ICT and integrate ICT into existing development programs.

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