San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom gathered with the leaders of the three partnership companies who have successfully helped better San Franciso’s low income communities by providing free broadband access to Sunnydale also which the San Francisco Chronicle calls one of the most depressed, dangerous and decrepit areas of the city.
Two Chicago McDonald's Bridge Digital Divide, Offer Free Wi-Fi
Chicago may get for-fee McDonald's wireless in August, but two franchised stores are offering it for free now, and incidentally bridging the digital divide: It's an attempt to provide a way to get people in underserved, underinterested communities to take a look at the Internet.
Thursday 3 December 2009
Combatting digital divide
UNESCO Outlines Strategy to Combat Digital Divide
11-09-2002 ()
Mindful both of the potentials of ICTs and of the dangers of increased marginalization these represent for those without access to them, UNESCO has developed a four-pronged strategy which it will urge States to adopt as their own at WSIS.
The free flow of information, made possible by the advent of ICTs, holds enormous promise of cultural dialogue and mutual understanding, of quality education available throughout our lifetimes and of more vigorous and participative democratic processes.
But the so-called “digital divide” – the enormous and growing inequalities between rich and poor nations in access to ICTs – threatens to deny this promise from entire regions.
UNESCO Director–General Koichïro Matsuura outlined this strategy on Wednesday, September 11 in Paris before representatives of UNESCO Members States.
First a set of common principles for the information society of the future must be defined. These, says UNESCO, should include:
· Freedom of expression and its corollary, freedom of the press.
· Free, compulsory and universal primary education.
· The recognition that education as well as cultural goods and services cannot be treated as mere commodities.
· The pre-eminence of public policy.
· The promotion of public domain information and public service broadcasting.
Point two concerns access by the greatest number to the learning opportunities offered by new information technologies. This implies that:
· Computer literacy be recognized as a basic skill in educational systems and free access to the internet be provided in schools and public libraries.
· Full advantage be taken of distance education and the life-long learning opportunities offered by ICTs.
Point three is to strengthen capacities for scientific research and information sharing. UNESCO wishes to see increased exchange and cooperation among specialists and interest groups working in the fields of education, science, culture and communication. To this end UNESCO:
· Encourages the use of new methods of content development and access to education and to scientific information, e.g. virtual universities, virtual laboratories, and research groups. Such methods can contribute to bridging the scientific divide, enabling researchers in developing countries to participate in research at the international level and to share its results.
· Promotes actions that focus on building linkages and synergies between science and local and indigenous knowledge, particularly in environmental management practices and in the transmission of local knowledge from one generation to the next.
Last but not least – point four– UNESCO encourages States to use ICTs to promote greater participation by citizens in democratic life. This can be achieved by:
· Using the internet and other ICTs as tools for dialogue between citizens and the authorities.
· Integrating new and “traditional” technologies, including library services and community media; the production, adaptation, translation and sharing of local contents; and the setting up of pilot projects corresponding to different cultural contexts.
· Giving high priority to the needs of those disadvantaged and marginalized groups that are presently excluded so that information societies be open and inclusive.
Improving access to the benefits of the information society for women and youth. Extending material assistance to countries at present unable to offer access to ICTs to large numbers of their citizens.
Learning to bridge the divide
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/philip.barker2/DL/BookReviews/Divide.doc
11-09-2002 ()
Mindful both of the potentials of ICTs and of the dangers of increased marginalization these represent for those without access to them, UNESCO has developed a four-pronged strategy which it will urge States to adopt as their own at WSIS.
The free flow of information, made possible by the advent of ICTs, holds enormous promise of cultural dialogue and mutual understanding, of quality education available throughout our lifetimes and of more vigorous and participative democratic processes.
But the so-called “digital divide” – the enormous and growing inequalities between rich and poor nations in access to ICTs – threatens to deny this promise from entire regions.
UNESCO Director–General Koichïro Matsuura outlined this strategy on Wednesday, September 11 in Paris before representatives of UNESCO Members States.
First a set of common principles for the information society of the future must be defined. These, says UNESCO, should include:
· Freedom of expression and its corollary, freedom of the press.
· Free, compulsory and universal primary education.
· The recognition that education as well as cultural goods and services cannot be treated as mere commodities.
· The pre-eminence of public policy.
· The promotion of public domain information and public service broadcasting.
Point two concerns access by the greatest number to the learning opportunities offered by new information technologies. This implies that:
· Computer literacy be recognized as a basic skill in educational systems and free access to the internet be provided in schools and public libraries.
· Full advantage be taken of distance education and the life-long learning opportunities offered by ICTs.
Point three is to strengthen capacities for scientific research and information sharing. UNESCO wishes to see increased exchange and cooperation among specialists and interest groups working in the fields of education, science, culture and communication. To this end UNESCO:
· Encourages the use of new methods of content development and access to education and to scientific information, e.g. virtual universities, virtual laboratories, and research groups. Such methods can contribute to bridging the scientific divide, enabling researchers in developing countries to participate in research at the international level and to share its results.
· Promotes actions that focus on building linkages and synergies between science and local and indigenous knowledge, particularly in environmental management practices and in the transmission of local knowledge from one generation to the next.
Last but not least – point four– UNESCO encourages States to use ICTs to promote greater participation by citizens in democratic life. This can be achieved by:
· Using the internet and other ICTs as tools for dialogue between citizens and the authorities.
· Integrating new and “traditional” technologies, including library services and community media; the production, adaptation, translation and sharing of local contents; and the setting up of pilot projects corresponding to different cultural contexts.
· Giving high priority to the needs of those disadvantaged and marginalized groups that are presently excluded so that information societies be open and inclusive.
Improving access to the benefits of the information society for women and youth. Extending material assistance to countries at present unable to offer access to ICTs to large numbers of their citizens.
Learning to bridge the divide
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/philip.barker2/DL/BookReviews/Divide.doc
Combatting digital divide
UNESCO Outlines Strategy to Combat Digital Divide
11-09-2002 ()
Mindful both of the potentials of ICTs and of the dangers of increased marginalization these represent for those without access to them, UNESCO has developed a four-pronged strategy which it will urge States to adopt as their own at WSIS.
The free flow of information, made possible by the advent of ICTs, holds enormous promise of cultural dialogue and mutual understanding, of quality education available throughout our lifetimes and of more vigorous and participative democratic processes.
But the so-called “digital divide” – the enormous and growing inequalities between rich and poor nations in access to ICTs – threatens to deny this promise from entire regions.
UNESCO Director–General Koichïro Matsuura outlined this strategy on Wednesday, September 11 in Paris before representatives of UNESCO Members States.
First a set of common principles for the information society of the future must be defined. These, says UNESCO, should include:
· Freedom of expression and its corollary, freedom of the press.
· Free, compulsory and universal primary education.
· The recognition that education as well as cultural goods and services cannot be treated as mere commodities.
· The pre-eminence of public policy.
· The promotion of public domain information and public service broadcasting.
Point two concerns access by the greatest number to the learning opportunities offered by new information technologies. This implies that:
· Computer literacy be recognized as a basic skill in educational systems and free access to the internet be provided in schools and public libraries.
· Full advantage be taken of distance education and the life-long learning opportunities offered by ICTs.
Point three is to strengthen capacities for scientific research and information sharing. UNESCO wishes to see increased exchange and cooperation among specialists and interest groups working in the fields of education, science, culture and communication. To this end UNESCO:
· Encourages the use of new methods of content development and access to education and to scientific information, e.g. virtual universities, virtual laboratories, and research groups. Such methods can contribute to bridging the scientific divide, enabling researchers in developing countries to participate in research at the international level and to share its results.
· Promotes actions that focus on building linkages and synergies between science and local and indigenous knowledge, particularly in environmental management practices and in the transmission of local knowledge from one generation to the next.
Last but not least – point four– UNESCO encourages States to use ICTs to promote greater participation by citizens in democratic life. This can be achieved by:
· Using the internet and other ICTs as tools for dialogue between citizens and the authorities.
· Integrating new and “traditional” technologies, including library services and community media; the production, adaptation, translation and sharing of local contents; and the setting up of pilot projects corresponding to different cultural contexts.
· Giving high priority to the needs of those disadvantaged and marginalized groups that are presently excluded so that information societies be open and inclusive.
Improving access to the benefits of the information society for women and youth. Extending material assistance to countries at present unable to offer access to ICTs to large numbers of their citizens.
i @m g@y
11-09-2002 ()
Mindful both of the potentials of ICTs and of the dangers of increased marginalization these represent for those without access to them, UNESCO has developed a four-pronged strategy which it will urge States to adopt as their own at WSIS.
The free flow of information, made possible by the advent of ICTs, holds enormous promise of cultural dialogue and mutual understanding, of quality education available throughout our lifetimes and of more vigorous and participative democratic processes.
But the so-called “digital divide” – the enormous and growing inequalities between rich and poor nations in access to ICTs – threatens to deny this promise from entire regions.
UNESCO Director–General Koichïro Matsuura outlined this strategy on Wednesday, September 11 in Paris before representatives of UNESCO Members States.
First a set of common principles for the information society of the future must be defined. These, says UNESCO, should include:
· Freedom of expression and its corollary, freedom of the press.
· Free, compulsory and universal primary education.
· The recognition that education as well as cultural goods and services cannot be treated as mere commodities.
· The pre-eminence of public policy.
· The promotion of public domain information and public service broadcasting.
Point two concerns access by the greatest number to the learning opportunities offered by new information technologies. This implies that:
· Computer literacy be recognized as a basic skill in educational systems and free access to the internet be provided in schools and public libraries.
· Full advantage be taken of distance education and the life-long learning opportunities offered by ICTs.
Point three is to strengthen capacities for scientific research and information sharing. UNESCO wishes to see increased exchange and cooperation among specialists and interest groups working in the fields of education, science, culture and communication. To this end UNESCO:
· Encourages the use of new methods of content development and access to education and to scientific information, e.g. virtual universities, virtual laboratories, and research groups. Such methods can contribute to bridging the scientific divide, enabling researchers in developing countries to participate in research at the international level and to share its results.
· Promotes actions that focus on building linkages and synergies between science and local and indigenous knowledge, particularly in environmental management practices and in the transmission of local knowledge from one generation to the next.
Last but not least – point four– UNESCO encourages States to use ICTs to promote greater participation by citizens in democratic life. This can be achieved by:
· Using the internet and other ICTs as tools for dialogue between citizens and the authorities.
· Integrating new and “traditional” technologies, including library services and community media; the production, adaptation, translation and sharing of local contents; and the setting up of pilot projects corresponding to different cultural contexts.
· Giving high priority to the needs of those disadvantaged and marginalized groups that are presently excluded so that information societies be open and inclusive.
Improving access to the benefits of the information society for women and youth. Extending material assistance to countries at present unable to offer access to ICTs to large numbers of their citizens.
i @m g@y
Internet Access
Internet Access
70% of households had access in 2009
(http://www.statistics.gov.uk/CCI/nugget.asp?ID=8&Pos=&ColRank=1&Rank=374)
Households with access to the Internet, UK
18.3 million households in the UK (70 per cent) had Internet access in 2009. This is an increase of just under 2 million households (11 per cent) over the last year and 4 million households (28 per cent) since 2006. UK estimates are not available prior to 2006.
The region with the highest level of access was London, with 80 per cent. The region with the lowest access level was Scotland, with 62 per cent.
Sixty-three per cent of all UK households had a broadband connection in 2009, up from 56 per cent in 2008. Of those households with Internet access, 90 per cent had a broadband connection in 2009, an increase from 69 per cent in 2006.
In 2009, 37.4 million adults (76 per cent of the UK adult population) accessed the Internet in the three months prior to interview. The number of adults who had never accessed the Internet fell to 10.2 million (21 per cent) in 2009.
Sixty four per cent of all adults who were recent Internet users (having accessed the Internet in the three months prior to interview) had ever purchased goods or services over the Internet in 2009. Of these, 83 per cent (26 million) had purchased within the last three months.
(http://www.websiteoptimization.com/bw/0909/)
(http://www.statistics.gov.uk/pdfdir/iahi0809.pdf)
70% of households had access in 2009
(http://www.statistics.gov.uk/CCI/nugget.asp?ID=8&Pos=&ColRank=1&Rank=374)
Households with access to the Internet, UK
18.3 million households in the UK (70 per cent) had Internet access in 2009. This is an increase of just under 2 million households (11 per cent) over the last year and 4 million households (28 per cent) since 2006. UK estimates are not available prior to 2006.
The region with the highest level of access was London, with 80 per cent. The region with the lowest access level was Scotland, with 62 per cent.
Sixty-three per cent of all UK households had a broadband connection in 2009, up from 56 per cent in 2008. Of those households with Internet access, 90 per cent had a broadband connection in 2009, an increase from 69 per cent in 2006.
In 2009, 37.4 million adults (76 per cent of the UK adult population) accessed the Internet in the three months prior to interview. The number of adults who had never accessed the Internet fell to 10.2 million (21 per cent) in 2009.
Sixty four per cent of all adults who were recent Internet users (having accessed the Internet in the three months prior to interview) had ever purchased goods or services over the Internet in 2009. Of these, 83 per cent (26 million) had purchased within the last three months.
(http://www.websiteoptimization.com/bw/0909/)
(http://www.statistics.gov.uk/pdfdir/iahi0809.pdf)
Internet Access
Internet Access
70% of households had access in 2009
(http://www.statistics.gov.uk/CCI/nugget.asp?ID=8&Pos=&ColRank=1&Rank=374)
Households with access to the Internet, UK
18.3 million households in the UK (70 per cent) had Internet access in 2009. This is an increase of just under 2 million households (11 per cent) over the last year and 4 million households (28 per cent) since 2006. UK estimates are not available prior to 2006.
The region with the highest level of access was London, with 80 per cent. The region with the lowest access level was Scotland, with 62 per cent.
Sixty-three per cent of all UK households had a broadband connection in 2009, up from 56 per cent in 2008. Of those households with Internet access, 90 per cent had a broadband connection in 2009, an increase from 69 per cent in 2006.
In 2009, 37.4 million adults (76 per cent of the UK adult population) accessed the Internet in the three months prior to interview. The number of adults who had never accessed the Internet fell to 10.2 million (21 per cent) in 2009.
Sixty four per cent of all adults who were recent Internet users (having accessed the Internet in the three months prior to interview) had ever purchased goods or services over the Internet in 2009. Of these, 83 per cent (26 million) had purchased within the last three months.
(http://www.websiteoptimization.com/bw/0909/)
(http://www.statistics.gov.uk/pdfdir/iahi0809.pdf)
70% of households had access in 2009
(http://www.statistics.gov.uk/CCI/nugget.asp?ID=8&Pos=&ColRank=1&Rank=374)
Households with access to the Internet, UK
18.3 million households in the UK (70 per cent) had Internet access in 2009. This is an increase of just under 2 million households (11 per cent) over the last year and 4 million households (28 per cent) since 2006. UK estimates are not available prior to 2006.
The region with the highest level of access was London, with 80 per cent. The region with the lowest access level was Scotland, with 62 per cent.
Sixty-three per cent of all UK households had a broadband connection in 2009, up from 56 per cent in 2008. Of those households with Internet access, 90 per cent had a broadband connection in 2009, an increase from 69 per cent in 2006.
In 2009, 37.4 million adults (76 per cent of the UK adult population) accessed the Internet in the three months prior to interview. The number of adults who had never accessed the Internet fell to 10.2 million (21 per cent) in 2009.
Sixty four per cent of all adults who were recent Internet users (having accessed the Internet in the three months prior to interview) had ever purchased goods or services over the Internet in 2009. Of these, 83 per cent (26 million) had purchased within the last three months.
(http://www.websiteoptimization.com/bw/0909/)
(http://www.statistics.gov.uk/pdfdir/iahi0809.pdf)
Wednesday 2 December 2009
Quotes on bridging digital divide
Kofi Annan
Annan calls on business leaders to bridge the 'digital divide' in poor countries
18 June 2003 – Secretary-General Kofi Annan today called on business leaders to give their full support to ongoing United Nations efforts to bridge the "digital divide" threatening to exacerbate already-wide gaps between rich and poor countries.
"Information technology is not a magic formula or panacea. But it is a powerful force that can and must be harnessed to our global mission of peace and development," Mr. Annan said in a message to "The Net World Order: bridging the Global Digital Divide" conference in New York hosted by the Business Council for the UN.
The two-day conference, which kicked off today, seeks to link technology innovation with UN efforts to expand information technology access in developing countries. It is being held at the first United States trade show that emphasizes the entire spectrum – systems, applications, networking and telecommunications – of information and communications technology products and services.
The swift emergence of a global "information society" is changing the way people live, learn, work and relate - creating new choices and opportunities in some of the most vital realms of human endeavour - yet too many of the world's people remain untouched by this revolution, Mr. Annan said in a message delivered by Amire Dossal, Executive Director UN Fund for International Partnerships.
"Timely access to news and information can promote trade, education, employment, health and wealth," Mr. Annan said. "One of the hallmarks of the information society - openness - is a crucial ingredient of democracy and good governance. Information and knowledge are also at the heart of efforts to strengthen tolerance, mutual understanding and respect for diversity."
He urged the business leaders to get involved in the World Summit on the Information Society in December, saying it "offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of the information society so that all people can enjoy these benefits."
PRESIDENT CLINTON AND VICE PRESIDENT GORE:
WORKING TO BRIDGE THE DIGITAL DIVIDE
"Together we have the power to determine exactly what we want the Internet to become... to be an instrument of empowerment, education, enlightenment, economic advance and community-building all across America, regardless of the race, the income, the geography of our citizens."
President Bill Clinton
Thursday, December 9, 1999
Today, at the White House, President Clinton addressed high-tech CEOs and civil rights, education, and non-profit leaders on the digital divide - the growing division in the U.S.between information “haves” and “have-nots.” The President announced that he will lead a trip next spring to focus attention on the digital divide, and will issue a directive to his Cabinet to take specific actions to address this challenge. He also announced several commitments from non-profit organizations and the private sector to help close the divide.
The Importance of Bridging the Digital Divide. Access to computers and the Internet and the ability to effectively use this technology are becoming increasingly important for full participation in America's economic, political and social life. Access to computers and the Internet has exploded during the Clinton-Gore Administration. Unfortunately, there is strong evidence of a “digital divide” – a gap between those individuals and communities that have access to these Information Age tools and those who do not.
From Digital Divide to Digital Opportunity. Today, Secretary of Commerce William Daley convened the first Digital Divide Summit, a roundtable with high-technology CEOs and civil rights, education, and non-profit leaders on ways to bridge the divide. In remarks to summit participants, President Clinton announced actions that will help create digital opportunity for more Americans:
A trip next spring by the President and top CEOs to disadvantaged urban and rural communities to focus national attention on the digital divide and help mobilize private and public efforts;
A directive to members of the Cabinet to take specific actions to close the digital divide, such as expanding Community Technology Centers in low-income urban and rural neighborhoods, continuing to measure the extent of the digital divide, and helping low-income workers gain the skills they need to compete for high-paying information technology jobs;
The launch of the Digital Divide Network, an Internet-based clearinghouse of information on public and private efforts to bring technology to underserved communities;
The formation of the Digital Opportunity Partnership, an alliance between the private sector and civil and human rights organizations to bring high technology to the doorstep of nonprofit organizations; and
A commitment by the Congress of National Black Churches to make the digital divide a top civil rights priority.
A Strong Record on Closing the Digital Divide. President Clinton and Vice President Gore have worked hard to close the digital divide, including:
Working to connect every classroom and library to the Internet by the year 2000;
Providing discounted Internet access to libraries and classrooms through the e-rate program;
Expanding the network of Community Technology Centers to provide access to those who can't afford it;
Improving access to technology for people with disabilities; and
Encouraging the development of information technology applications for low-income Americans.
Annan calls on business leaders to bridge the 'digital divide' in poor countries
18 June 2003 – Secretary-General Kofi Annan today called on business leaders to give their full support to ongoing United Nations efforts to bridge the "digital divide" threatening to exacerbate already-wide gaps between rich and poor countries.
"Information technology is not a magic formula or panacea. But it is a powerful force that can and must be harnessed to our global mission of peace and development," Mr. Annan said in a message to "The Net World Order: bridging the Global Digital Divide" conference in New York hosted by the Business Council for the UN.
The two-day conference, which kicked off today, seeks to link technology innovation with UN efforts to expand information technology access in developing countries. It is being held at the first United States trade show that emphasizes the entire spectrum – systems, applications, networking and telecommunications – of information and communications technology products and services.
The swift emergence of a global "information society" is changing the way people live, learn, work and relate - creating new choices and opportunities in some of the most vital realms of human endeavour - yet too many of the world's people remain untouched by this revolution, Mr. Annan said in a message delivered by Amire Dossal, Executive Director UN Fund for International Partnerships.
"Timely access to news and information can promote trade, education, employment, health and wealth," Mr. Annan said. "One of the hallmarks of the information society - openness - is a crucial ingredient of democracy and good governance. Information and knowledge are also at the heart of efforts to strengthen tolerance, mutual understanding and respect for diversity."
He urged the business leaders to get involved in the World Summit on the Information Society in December, saying it "offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of the information society so that all people can enjoy these benefits."
PRESIDENT CLINTON AND VICE PRESIDENT GORE:
WORKING TO BRIDGE THE DIGITAL DIVIDE
"Together we have the power to determine exactly what we want the Internet to become... to be an instrument of empowerment, education, enlightenment, economic advance and community-building all across America, regardless of the race, the income, the geography of our citizens."
President Bill Clinton
Thursday, December 9, 1999
Today, at the White House, President Clinton addressed high-tech CEOs and civil rights, education, and non-profit leaders on the digital divide - the growing division in the U.S.between information “haves” and “have-nots.” The President announced that he will lead a trip next spring to focus attention on the digital divide, and will issue a directive to his Cabinet to take specific actions to address this challenge. He also announced several commitments from non-profit organizations and the private sector to help close the divide.
The Importance of Bridging the Digital Divide. Access to computers and the Internet and the ability to effectively use this technology are becoming increasingly important for full participation in America's economic, political and social life. Access to computers and the Internet has exploded during the Clinton-Gore Administration. Unfortunately, there is strong evidence of a “digital divide” – a gap between those individuals and communities that have access to these Information Age tools and those who do not.
From Digital Divide to Digital Opportunity. Today, Secretary of Commerce William Daley convened the first Digital Divide Summit, a roundtable with high-technology CEOs and civil rights, education, and non-profit leaders on ways to bridge the divide. In remarks to summit participants, President Clinton announced actions that will help create digital opportunity for more Americans:
A trip next spring by the President and top CEOs to disadvantaged urban and rural communities to focus national attention on the digital divide and help mobilize private and public efforts;
A directive to members of the Cabinet to take specific actions to close the digital divide, such as expanding Community Technology Centers in low-income urban and rural neighborhoods, continuing to measure the extent of the digital divide, and helping low-income workers gain the skills they need to compete for high-paying information technology jobs;
The launch of the Digital Divide Network, an Internet-based clearinghouse of information on public and private efforts to bring technology to underserved communities;
The formation of the Digital Opportunity Partnership, an alliance between the private sector and civil and human rights organizations to bring high technology to the doorstep of nonprofit organizations; and
A commitment by the Congress of National Black Churches to make the digital divide a top civil rights priority.
A Strong Record on Closing the Digital Divide. President Clinton and Vice President Gore have worked hard to close the digital divide, including:
Working to connect every classroom and library to the Internet by the year 2000;
Providing discounted Internet access to libraries and classrooms through the e-rate program;
Expanding the network of Community Technology Centers to provide access to those who can't afford it;
Improving access to technology for people with disabilities; and
Encouraging the development of information technology applications for low-income Americans.
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