The following research project was done as an exercise in Global Impact of New Communication Technologies, one of many classes taught in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill.

 

The digital divide is a term used to refer to the definitive gap between those Americans who use or have access to telecommunication technologies and those who do not. Whether or not communities or individuals fall into the "information haves" or "have-nots" category depends on a number of factors. Some of the contributing factors include the presence of computers in the home, training and education and the availability of affordable Internet access. However, simply having Internet access would not necessarily place an individual in the "information haves" category. A broadband connection, as opposed to a dial-up connection, not only gives users a high speed connection, but also provides a continuous "always on" connection, and the ability to download and upload information at high speeds. The Department of Congress conducted a study in September of 2001, which found 10.8% of the population and 20.0% of household Internet users have broadband Internet connections in their homes.

Poverty is not the only barrier for Internet growth, however in many countries, including Africa; it is the biggest barrier for Internet growth. Many programs attempt to place computers in schools so students can acquaint themselves with the Internet. However, many of these computers end up being used by faculty and staff and the students never learn a thing.

Several digital access programs have been developed to help bridge the digital divide. Rey Ramsey is the CEO of One Economy Corp., based in Washington, D.C. with an office in Portland, Oregon. Ramsey and One Economy are working to get high-speed Internet access in the homes of low-income families. They are working with low-income housing developers to provide broadband service to tenants, as well as offering payment plans for purchasing computers. Many organizations seek to improve access problems by placing computers in schools, libraries and community centers. One Economy Corp. recognizes that most people would like to be able to have Internet access in their homes and is working to provide such services.

 

 

Here are some Web sites that can offer more information on this topic:

 

• Digital Divide Network
  http://www.digitaldividenetwork.org/content/webresources/index.cfm
  Articles providing information about the digital divide and funding programs to prevent it.

 

• Falling Through the Net: Defining the Digital Divide
  http://www.ntia.doc.gov/ntiahome/fttn99/contents.html
  A government report of Internet access in the United States, including charts and tables.

 

• New Foundation to Help Bridge Digital Divide and Reduce Poverty World Bank Moves Forward with Development Gateway Foundation
  http://lnweb18.worldbank.org/news/pressrelease.nsf/
  Press release announces new foundation to help digital divide and poverty.

 

• Digital Divide- PBS Series Home
  http://www.pbs.org/digitaldivide/
  Explains the digital divide and the widening of social gaps as a result and offers suggestions for closing this gap.

 

• Policy Solutions for the Digital Divide
  http://www.digitaldivide.org/
  Discusses the importance of ending the digital divide. This is an organization that focuses on "reviving the global economy" and realizes that global Internet access is one of the only ways to achieve this goal.