Information and Communication TechnologiesThe Digital Divide & The National Broadband Plan

Melissa CumberbatchGeorge Latio

Monica ThuneyMonique Wingard

April 28, 2011MDIA 586M

What is the Digital Divide?

The Digital Divide

What?Who? Why? Where?When?

Definition“The gap between individuals,

households, business and geographic areas at different socio-economic levels with regard to both their opportunities to access information and communication technologies (ICTs) and to their use of the Internet for a wide variety of activities” (2001).

“Closing the Digital Divide” means more than just giving the poor the same technologies. www.digitaldivide.org

Digital Divide Background

Gap in ownership of computers b/w certain ethnic groups

Mid 1990s: Appeared in news articles and political speeches

Telephone: 75 yearsTelevision: 13 yearsInternet: 5 yearsAnd now… New Social MediaNTIA redefined DD to the gap in internet accessNow, Knowledge Divide = Digital Divide

Map of Digital Divide

Who Does it Affect?

ITU 2010:• 71% of the population in developed countries are online• 21% of the population in developing countries are online. • Why isn’t broadband in North Dakota…and some parts of Athens, Ohio?

In other words: EVERYONE!

Why Does it Exist?

Language barriers (English/Chinese)Geographic barriersLack of infrastructureContinued poverty and inequalityLack of educationICT importance is not recognized

Factors to Consider before attempting to “Close the Digital Divide”

Physical accessAppropriate

technologyAffordabilityCapacityRelevant contentIntegration

One Laptop Per Child - India

Factors continued…

Socio-cultural factorsTrustLegal and regulatory frameworkLocal economic environmentMacro-economic environmentPolitical will

So, what can be done?Restructuring the

telecommunications sectors in each nation (DDI)

Two-pronged approach:Direct: governments and

businesses work together. Indirect: governments. and

businesses team up on new strategic alliances funded by public-private partnerships.

Organizations fighting the Digital Divide

World Bank- ICT Sector Unit Computer Aid International Digital Divide Institute International

Telecommunications Union (ITU)

National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA)

One Laptop Per Child

UNESCO- Communication and Information Sector

World Computer Exchange Bridges Association for Progressive

Communications (APC) Millennium Development

Goals Digital Divide Network

The National Broadband Plan

The National Broadband Plan

What WhoWhereWhenWhy

VIDEO

What is the National Broadband Plan?

A strategic plan to give every American access to broadband and high internet speeds.

Attempts to:Increase Economic GrowthEducateCreate Jobs Provide HealthcareEnsure Public Safety

4 Key Goals

Who Will it Effect?100 Million Americans do not have

broadband at home.10% lack access to sufficient

internet speed to download a basic webpage.

The internet providers:Challenge to find a way to provide

affordable internet

Stakeholders

Consumers Internet Providers

FCC Bureaus and OfficesOther Government Organizations

Everyone is a Stakeholder

Where?

http://www.broadband.gov/maps/availability.htm

When Will it Take Shape?

Plan was launched in April 2009

Policies will change according to need in technology

No projected deadline: Ongoing Plan

Why is this Plan Needed?

• U.S.A. Compete Globally• Create Real Opportunities:

Conclusion

Policies are ongoingTo keep up with ever changing technological

advancesNot possible to offer solution in 1-hour

presentationSometimes solutions are not possible, but

always good to set goals. Remember: Solutions can take up to 60 years to

take shape. (“Rota”)

QUESTIONS?