Third World countries have always struggled to keep up with the modernising Western World and this has obvious affects on these countries. But how are these developing countries affected by digital divide?
'Everyone knows information is a form of power. The Third World countries now know this more than ever.' (Mitchell, 2003) The Internet is used for almost everything today, 'digital technology can have an impact on the flow of investment, goods and global services in the global market place' (Plüss, 2001) and if a country cannot participate and connect in these technologies then they are left behind. A writer for the British Medical Journal, a World Health Organisation official, Tessa Tan-Torres Edejer said, 'the current divide between digital haves and have-nots is more dramatic than any other inequality in health or income.' (BBC News Online, 2000)
The Digital Dividend Organisation (DDO) held a conference in 2000, which discussed the issues of digital divide and Third World countries. 'The DDO noted that there are more telephones in New York City than in all of rural Asia, and as much as 80% of the world's population has never made a phone call. The net connects 100 million computers, but that represents less than 2% of the world's population.' (Caslon Analytics, 2004) From these statistics, it is clear that most of the world is being left behind, while 2% of the population slowly gains complete technological power.
In 2000 the world's leading powers decided to address the growing problems of the digital divide at a summit in Japan. The countries involved, US, Japan, Germany, France, the UK, Italy, Canada and Russia, admitted that there wasn't enough being done to solve the problem. All countries agreed to work together with plans to donate money, technology and IT experts to help the cause.
Aside from these major countries helping to bridge the digital divide, there are also several initiatives that have been put in place by a number of large companies. BusyInternet is a US based company, which has set up telecentres in West Africa, offering 'community net access (typically 100 computers), a learning centre for seminars and office space for net-related businesses.' (Caslon Analytics, 2004)
The Little Intelligent Communities (LINCOS) group has developed a different type of scheme and sends countries shipping containers that include computer science laboratories, a videoconference centre and enough technology to enable the countries to have e-mail and newspapers. (Caslon Analytics, 2004) While LINCOS has received great credit for their contribution they have also been criticised on their operating costs. Some critics have suggested 'whether more appropriate technology might include a simple printing press and a stipend for several doctors rather than paying for bandwidth for videoconferencing.' (Caslon Analytics, 2004)
The fact that these big companies have recognised that there is a problem with Third World countries and their access to new technologies is a big step in the direction to bridging the digital divide. However, it is unrealistic to assume these countries will ever have the technological advances the modern world does, but to give them the opportunity to become a part of the Internet highway will be more help to them then we will ever know.
Links to Wiki sites
Links to Other Sites
The Digital Dividend Organisation promotes solutions for bridging the digital divide using information and technology in the developing world.
BusyInternet is the largest privately owned and operated information communication technology (ICT) centre in Africa.
Little Intelligent Communities (LINCOS) aims to provide solutions to the problems facing developing countries to improve the quality of their technological situation.
Mitchell, J (2003) A Reflection on Media in the Third World, Center for Media Literacy, viewed 8 August 2004, <http://www.medialit.org/reading_room/article198.html >
Caslon Analytics (2004) viewed 11 October 2004, <http://www.caslon.com.au >
Plüss, M (2001) Geographical Dimensions of the Digital Divide, viewed 11 October 2004, <http://homepage.idx.com.au/plu/writings/professional/ddglobal.htm >
BBC News Online (2000) Digital Divide Hits Third World Health, viewed 11 October 2004, < http://news.bbc.co.uk/ >
Katy Clarke 16:46, 20 Oct 2004 (EST)
