The spread of information and communication technologies has contributed significantly to the emergence of knowledge-based societies and opened up space for greater networking across geographically distanced groups. This has led to efforts to explore how developing economies can benefit from inclusion in the ‘information society’. Yet, recognition of the burgeoning ‘digital divide’ within and between countries highlights the need for continued engagement with socio-political and economic dynamics of how ICT development and use are promoted in specific contexts. English is still the only language in which access is readily available, a situation that militates against any widespread use of ICTs in business, administration and education *NEPAL CASE*. However this is changing. Drawing on a case study of a software localisation project, the paper argues for an expanded conversation around the relationship between ICT usage, language politics, and development. It highlights the potential significance of ICT localisation as a mechanism for enhancing language use, opening new pathways of communication and information transfer and developing employment opportunities through the creation of markets for software and skills enterprises. Yet it also highlights the challenges facing localisation initiatives. Addressing the ‘digital divide’ between language communities as well as between economic groups requires more than the development of technological capability.
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