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According to Wakefield, the increasing gap between those
with access and those with no access to technology is causing ‘digital divide’
to become a global issue. Research done by International
Telecommunications Union (ITU) indicates that a country’s
extent of ‘digital divide’ is correlated to its economy. This prompts countries
to attempt to close the ‘digital divide’ through building infrastructure and
providing computers to unconnected areas. However, it is not just about
providing resources but diving deeper and finding other issues that hinder people
from being connected. By addressing these issues, the degree of ‘digital
divide’ can be reduced and more people can enjoy the benefits that come with
connectivity.
Edited
According
to Wakefield (2010), there is an increasing gap between those with and without
access to the internet. She defines this gap as the “digital divide”. According
to her, research by the “International Telecommunications Union (ITU)”
indicates that the extent of “digital divide" is directly related to the
country’s economy. Knowing this, and the advantages of being connected,
countries have introduced programmes to reduce the “digital divide”. For
example in Hungary, in order to reach out to villagers, a “wi-fi village
programme” was introduced. It provided infrastructure, sold recycled computers
and educated villagers on how to use the internet. However, in the article, it
was argued by a report author from New America Foundation (NAF), Meinrath, that
it was not just about providing infrastructure and connectivity but about
having an all-rounded approach to reach those who are yet to be connected to
the internet.
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