This study examines the relationship between access to Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs)—specifically computer equipment and internet connectivity—and education in rural areas of Colombia during the period 2018–2024. It identifies digital divides in terms of access, use, and appropriation of these technologies by students in basic and secondary education in rural settings, and evaluates the public policies implemented to address these disparities, with a particular focus on the Computadores para Educar (CPE) program. Adopting a mixed-methods approach that combines quantitative analysis of official sources (Ministry of National Education – MEN, National Administrative Department of Statistics – DANE, Ministry of ICT, and the Office of the Comptroller General) with a review of academic literature, the study reveals profound inequalities: fewer than one-quarter of rural school sites have internet access, in contrast with the vast majority in urban areas, and the provision of equipment per student remains insufficient in rural settings. Furthermore, pedagogical appropriation of ICTs in rural schools is limited, hindered by deficiencies in basic infrastructure (such as electricity), lack of teacher training, and cultural relevance. Public policies—including the mass distribution of equipment through CPE and various teacher training initiatives—have achieved partial progress in reducing the digital divide. However, significant challenges remain to ensure quality rural education supported by ICTs. The study concludes with recommendations aimed at increasing investment in rural ICT infrastructure, strengthening teacher training and support, ensuring the sustainability of initiatives (equipment maintenance, electrification), fostering effective interinstitutional coordination, and promoting meaningful technological appropriation that responds to the specific needs of rural communities.

Keywords: Digital divide, Rural education, ICT in education, Technological appropriation, Computadores para Educar, Public policies, Rural connectivity.