What does the term digital divide mean

Asks jellybean

A. This term refers to the disparity between those people that can use computers, and ultimately the Internet, and those that cannot. It is believed that if you do not have computer knowledge and access to the Internet, then you are disadvantaged.

Q. What is being done to bridge the divide

A. The British Government has pledged that everyone in the UK will have access to the Internet by 2005. In order for this to be achieved several initiatives have been set up to help this happen. These include:

(a) Setting up UK Online Internet centres around the country - these centres contain computers with Internet access, and qualified staff to help novices get initiated. More information on where these can be found is available online from www.ukonline.co.uk)

(b) It will provide all schools and libraries with Internet access by 2002.

(c) It has invested 10 million in the Wired Up Communities project - currently in its pilot phase - which is set to provide computers with Internet access to communities (to schools and homes) in deprived areas.

(d) Encouraging easier Internet access in everyday life e.g. via WAP and GPRS phones, television, cheap deals with ISPs etc.

Q. What is the Wired Up Communities project, I have never heard of it before

A. The Wired Up Communities initiative (www.dfee.gov.uk/wired) will invest the 10 million provided by the government to assess how individual access to the Internet can transform opportunities for people living in deprived or disadvantaged areas - through a number of pilot schemes. Through this, 14,000 homes within six selected communities will have computers with Internet access installed - it is believed that this project will demonstrate how the digital divide can be closed up, and the Internet can transform lives.

This transformation will come through increased opportunity and by developing new ways of accessing learning, work and leisure services. The initiative will use a variety of technologies (e.g. standard telephone lines, broadband technology, digital TV) to link households in the selected communities to the Internet. This will enable them to access a wide range of local and national services and to develop links with local schools to test the part that the Internet might have to play in helping to deliver the National Curriculum or develop home/school links more generally.

The areas that have been selected for the pilot scheme are: Alston (Cumbria), Beaconnet (Manchester), Brampton (S. Yorks), Framlingham (Suffolk) Newham (SE London) and Whitebirk (Blackburn).

People taking part in the experiment will also be given training on how to use the technology.

Q. How does not having access to the Internet affect communities

A. The government believes that people in low income areas will become increasingly disadvantaged without Internet access as information on health, education, government, jobs and services increasingly become available online. This is also set to expand into other areas like childcare, training, literacy, transport and benefits.

Q. Is there any statistical data to back up the belief that it is people in poorer areas that are missing out on the Internet revolution

A. The Office of National Statistics (www.statistics.gov.uk) has stated that people with high incomes are 8 times more likely to have access to the Internet than people on low incomes.

Q. Is the digital divide just between the rich and poor, or does it apply to other areas

A. There is also a divide between the north and south, the Office of National Statistics has stated that people in the north of England, N. Ireland and Scotland are less likely to have Internet access. There is also a disparity between the old and young (with the old less likely to have Internet access) and the town and country (country less likely). The split between men and women that use the Internet is more or less equal at 52% and 48% respectively.

Q. But what about access to digital TV, doesn't that constitute bridging the digital divide

A. Digital TV will lead the way in technically getting most people in the UK up to date with the benefits of digital (one in five households now has digital access via satellite, cable or digital terrestrial TV services), but having more TV channels and a better quality picture is not going to pass on vital information to the population. However, Internet access via your TV screen will help Internet take-up numbers - but training will have to be given, with good support systems in place.

Q. How can people that are not interested in the Internet be persuaded to give it a try

A. This has got to be the government's biggest hurdle - it is difficult to persuade millions of people that the Internet will benefit them, it will only be when access to information or services vitally needed e.g. the post office, banking, ordering groceries are only available online (which is not going to happen) that the entire population will get onboard with the idea. A recent survey carried out by Which magazine stated that over 15 million people in the UK believe that the Internet is irrelevant to them.

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By Karen Anderson