Brazil’s Computers for All Program is intended to foster digital inclusion by making computers more affordable for the Brazilian population.
In São Paulo, special Presidential adviser Cezar Alvarez, the coordinator of the program, informed entrepreneurs from the sector how the federal government plans to implement the project, which is contained in the so-called Provisional Measure for the Good, which is awaiting Congressional vote.
Alvarez explained that the program offers tax exemptions and credit lines. The first step was to reduce the final price of microcomputers that cost less than US$ 1000 (R$ 2500) by conceding a 9.25% tax exemption. This measure is already in effect and will continue through December 31, 2009.
Now, according to Alvarez, the government intends to start a program of credit lines to help people purchase computers.
According to Alvarez, individuals who have fixed telephone service at home and haven’t subscribed to an Internet access program in the past six months will be eligible to acquire a special connection program that gives them fifteen hours of monthly internet access. The monthly charge will be US$ 3.21 (7.50 reais) for a year, with the right to a one-year renewal.
Alvarez participated, yesterday, July 13, in the 1st panel, “The Web – Computers for All – Logistics, Support, and Backup for 1 Million New Users,” in São Paulo.
ABr – www.radiobras.gov.br