Introducing Digital Divides
There is no doubt that broadband networks and digital technologies are significant tools for development. They offer many benefits for individual and community users. However, the degree to which these technologies enrich communities is limited in various ways. These constraints reflect inequalities in the ways that individuals and communities can access and use technologies. Researchers refer to these challenges as a multifaceted digital divide.
Digital divides exists across many different contexts. They consist of discrepancies of access between and inside countries. They include the affordability, availability, speed, and capacity of technologies. They extend to content on digital platforms, which is often rooted in a specific culture or language. They also link to the differing abilities of people to use technologies. These divides exist and persist for many reasons, including contexts like geographic location and socio-economic status.
Digital divides are a key challenge facing indigenous communities in many countries. The links below lead to government websites illustrating access divides in Native American and First Nation communities. Visit them to learn about broadband availability in these regions. However, keep in mind that digital divide data in remote communities is challenging to collect and interpret. Therefore, these websites and the information they portray should only be used as a guideline.
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There is no doubt that broadband networks and digital technologies are significant tools for development. They offer many benefits for individual and community users. However, the degree to which these technologies enrich communities is limited in various ways. These constraints reflect inequalities in the ways that individuals and communities can access and use technologies. Researchers refer to these challenges as a multifaceted digital divide.
Digital divides exists across many different contexts. They consist of discrepancies of access between and inside countries. They include the affordability, availability, speed, and capacity of technologies. They extend to content on digital platforms, which is often rooted in a specific culture or language. They also link to the differing abilities of people to use technologies. These divides exist and persist for many reasons, including contexts like geographic location and socio-economic status.
Digital divides are a key challenge facing indigenous communities in many countries. The links below lead to government websites illustrating access divides in Native American and First Nation communities. Visit them to learn about broadband availability in these regions. However, keep in mind that digital divide data in remote communities is challenging to collect and interpret. Therefore, these websites and the information they portray should only be used as a guideline.
- Native Nations page at the Federal Communications Commission (U.S.)
- Connectivity for Aboriginal and Northern Communities in Canada from Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
Sue Hanley on Digital Divides in B.C.'s First Nations
(video from the Georgia Straight; uploaded July 19, 2009)
(video from the Georgia Straight; uploaded July 19, 2009)
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