The+Digital+Divide+&+Equality+of+access

=The Digital Divide & Equality of Access= By Nikki Blower

//From The ITGS Guide:// The growth of the use of IT systems 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 a "digital divide".

In basic terms, the 'digital divide' is the difference between people who have access to technology and people who don't. This divide can be as big as the difference between developed and developing countries, to as small as the difference between rural and urban areas within the same country.

"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

Worldwide: Back in 1999, it was estimated by BBC News that "More than 80% of the people in the world have never even heard a dial tone, let alone surfed the Web." - [] This statistic is shocking and since has been slowly reduced by people all over the world trying to create equality of access. In 2005 it was then reported that 'half the world's population now has access to a fixed-line telephone...and 77% to a mobile network.' by BBC News - [] This shows us that although the 'digital divide' still exists, it is slowly being reduced in order to create the equality of access that everyone deserves to this potentially crucial resource: technology.

“Technology is only as powerful as it is accessible. Broader access brings education, information, and a sense of community that can help combat AIDS, malnutrition, ignorance and neglect. The power of a connected and enlightened world community is just beginning.” -- Hector Ruiz, Chairman of the Board and President of AMD

Britain: The 'digital divide' can also be seen within Britain. In 2008 it was reported by Sky News that "overall broadband is now in 57% of UK households, up from 45% a year ago" - [] These statistics show us that even within the UK, a well developed country, there is still a struggle to create equality of access. Even with these increasing numbers, you also still have certain areas that have a higher percentage of access to technology than others. Sky News also reported in the previously mentioned article that "Ofcom said that 59% of rural households now have broadband compared to 57% of urban homes".

It is clear to the whole world that there is inequality of access to technology, but the real question is how much has the 'digital divide' reduced in the years we have been working so hard to erase it and have we done all that we can, or can we keep working to eradicate the inequality of access we call the 'digital divide'?