Reader Response Draft 1

In the BBC article “World wakes up to digital divide”, Wakefield(2010) asserted that digital divide is a worldwide issue. Research by International Telecommunications Union (ITU) states that digital divide within a country correlates with its economic status. To solve this issue, governments of poorer countries have built infrastructure to introduce network for less developed areas. Digital divide not only exist in developing countries but also in developed countries. Accordingly to New America Foundation’s (NAF) study, disparity exist in America where only a significantly small proportion of native Americans use internet. However, it has shown that internet not only help minorities keep alive their culture  but also improve their standard of living.The report author of NAF, Mr Meinrath, contend that that there is a need for a change in strategy to resolve the problem of digital divide, giving the example that America should be the role model where facilities are taught how to use rather then simply providing them.

In the article, Wakefield(2008) gave examples of success in the Wi-fi Villages in Hungary, but also mentioned the concerns that the technology could be too advance for the villagers. This was also my concern when I first came across the term “Wi-fi villages” in the article.  The government has attempt to solve the digital divide by providing Wi-fi infrastructure and cheaper computers. However, it is questionable that this strategy could holistically resolve the issue of digital divide. According to Fink and Kenny (2003), digital divide is not just due to people not having access to technology,  but is also characterised by the differences in ability to use, actual usage and impact of usage (Beltran & Bourdeau de Fontenay, 2008). Hence, the government seems to overlook the gap in the people’s ability to use wi-fi technology by just simply providing technology and expect that people would reap the benefits of the technology. 

In my opinion, there are barriers to overcome before people can fully utilise the technology. Firstly, it would language barriers. The Government is targeting villagers living below the poverty line, many villagers could be illiterate and require education. Also, poverty would be barrier. Even though the government is providing cheaper computers to cater to the needs of poor people, it is unlikely that the villagers whom have difficulties making ends meet would splurge on computers which may not necessary improve their lives. Hence, even with access to wi-fi technology, there is a gap in actual usage. Therefore, perhaps the government should consider the correlation between digital divide and the economic status mentioned by ITU and the nib the problem in the bud by resolving the issue of poverty first. 

Although there are loopholes in the government’s policy, improving connection in the rural villages could present great opportunities. By increasing the connectivity, it would be easier for people to set up businesses and expanding it through the internet, and attract more foreign investments. Most importantly, we have to acknowledge that there will always be a digital divide hence the main focus should be to narrow it. Even though the people living in the villages may not utilise Wi-fi like a city dwellers, it can still be incorporated in their lives. One way would be through information transfers to previously marginalised communities. One interesting success in Africa was how through technology, farmers were able to consult experts on their crop failure and through the advises they were able to save their crops and their livelihood (Treisman, 2014). Therefore the government should do more than building the infrastructure; ensuring that technology they provide is relevant to the livelihood of the villagers.

References:

Bourdeau de Fontenay, A. & Beltran, F. (2008). Inequality and economic growth: Should we be concerned by the digital divide? ITS Montreal 2008. May, 1-37. Retrieved http://www.imaginar.org/taller/its2008/37.pdf

Treisman, L. (2014). Access to information: bridging the digital divide in Africa. The Gaurdian. Retrieved from http://www.theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-network/2014/jan/24/digital-divide-access-to-information-africa