We have seen great advancements in technology over the last few decades, but with that, we have widened the gap between those with access to the technology and those who don’t. This gap has affected those in this country and around the world.
One such problem area is in rural areas, where connectivity is kind of sketchy. Some Canadian Township decided not to invest in newer technology to improve wireless service, but they were then without internet for some time, the article said.
They eventually had to make the financial investment and upgrade, but it is these issues that communities and society in general have to deal with in deciding which side of the divide they want to be on.
One quote in the article stated that not having high-speed internet for your kids puts them at a deficit in school.
However, there are programs being developed that will help erase some of gap. In North Carolina, there is a new project underway where used computers are collected and upgraded to then be given to families who need them.
There is a similar program gaining national attention with the XO Laptops. In this program, you can buy a laptop for $399 and in the process, you also buy a laptop for a child in a developing country, the article said.
Programs in theory and on a small scale are nice, but unless policy is behind it, the movement will flame out without much concrete results. While it isn’t a mainstream issue like the war in
Is the divide ever going to disappear? No, but if we can continue to see these programs implemented and have serious political discussion on the issue, the gap can shrink and information can be received more freely.
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