98 Pound PC Scheme To Help Brits Hit The Web

A new government initiative has been launched to offer an affordable PC to the 9.2 million adults in the UK who do not have broadband access.

Customers who purchase the proposed £98 PC - which is being overseen by "digital champion" Martha Lane Fox - may also want to purchase a printer with ink and toner cartridges to help them set up their own business.

According to Jonathan Bowers, communications director at managed hosting firm UK Fast, a cheap computer could very well incentivise people to buy a computer, and it may even inspire them to become entrepreneurial.

"It'll certainly be a boost for some people who don't have a computer at the moment to go out and get one," he said.

After getting access to the web, Mr Bowers said people may then be encouraged to think about going into business for themselves, given "how easy it is to run an online business and be successful at it".

"It'll certainly bring to the awareness of people who don't spend much time on the internet the wealth of businesses that are online at the moment, and inspire them that it's possible to set it up."

The £98 PC scheme is part of the Race Online 2012 project, which aims to enable everyone in the UK to have access to the web.

Posted by Canzil Ahmed.