An initiative of the federal government begun in 1992 to enhance the application of computer technology and telecommunications in all sectors of the society. The initiative calls for a partnership between the government and the private sector in which the government helps with development efforts, but the private sector owns and operates the NIL It is planned that the Nil will ultimately connect the nation’s homes, businesses, schools, health care facilities and social service providers via an interactive telecommunications network. The administration reasons that by making information accessible when and where ifs needed, workers will be more productive, resulting in a global competitive edge, an improved standard of living, and even improved quality of life. By way of example, the information used by the authors to write the definition of this particular term were obtained via the Internet, an already existing part of the Nil vision. Certain key technologies still need significant development in order for the Nil to meet its goals, including: computer image recognition, computer speech recognition and language translation, digital libraries, electronic commerce (money), electronic security/privacy, satellite data communications, software agents, video teleconferencing, wall-size flat screen displays, and wireless personal computers. The NILs use of these technologies in connection with public health is stated to have high priority, particularly given their potential to improve access to health care.