The+Digital+Divide+and+Equality+of+Access


 * The digital divide and equality of access **

The growth of the use of IT system has led to disparities in the use of, and access to, information technologies. Disparities exist not only internationally between countries, but also within countries between different socio-economic groups as well as within what may appear to be relatively homogenous groups. This may lead to groups or individuals without access to IT being disadvantaged. For example, while telelearning may bring previously unavailable opportunities to everyone’s doorstep, factors such as the cost and availability of hardware, software or access to the internet may create digital divide. -//ITGS guide book//

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 * Broadly speaking, the difference is not necessarily determined by the access to the Internet, but by access to ICT (Information and Communications Technologies) and to Media that the different segments of society can use. With regards to the Internet, the access is only one aspect, other factors such as the quality of connection and related services should be considered. Today the most discussed issue is the availability of the access at an affordable cost.

The problem is often discussed in an international context, indicating certain countries such as the U.S. are far more equipped than other developing countries to exploit the benefits from the rapidly expanding Internet.




 * Digital divide mostly depends on: **
 * The cost of the IT system/service or,
 * The availability of the IT system/service in that particular area.

 The accessibility of rural areas to the Internet is a test of the digital divide. But nowadays there are different ways to eliminate the digital divide in rural areas. Use of Power lines (PLT and PLC) and satellite communications offer new possibilities of universal access to the Internet, and lack of telephone lines will not limit access. Lower access prices are required to bridge the ICT divide. || ||
 * **Rural areas access **

 Disabilities of potential Internet users constitute another type of divide and care should be taken to avoid that persons with disabilities be left out of Internet access.
 *  Disabilities **

**"The power of the Web is in its universality.** **Access by everyone regardless of disability is an essential aspect."** -Tim Berners-Lee, W3C Director and inventor of the World Wide Web

**Some of global projects to reduce digital divide:** One Laptop per Child Association, Inc. (OLPC), a U.S. non profit organization. media type="youtube" key="59x-qlOsGZk?rel=0" height="390" width="480" || || The "50x15" initiative consists of AMD’s support to empower 50 percent of the world’s population with Internet access by year 2015. || || Related articles: > >
 * //One Laptop per Child//
 * // The "50x15" by AMD. //
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