DIGITAL DIVIDE in TURKEY

OWNERSHIP OF ICT’s (1997-2000)

OWNERSHIP

INCOME GROUPS (1997-2000)

TELEPHONE/INCOME (1997-2000)

COMPUTER/INCOME 1997-2000

INTERNET/INCOME (1997-2000)

COMPUTERS/REGION (1997-2000)

INTERNET/REGION (1997-2000)

CAPABILITY/INCOME (1997)

UNAWARENESS/GENDER (1997)

OKINAWA SUMMİT DECİSİONS WELCOME Until the 1990’s controversies: UNESCO, ITU By 2000, the G-8 itself initiates a new program to close the digital divide and pledges several assistance programs. The motive behind change is another interesting academic research issue.

INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY Telecomunnication/communicaiton policies cannot in itself solve the problem of digital divide. Social policies should be developed to raise income levels.

INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY/ICT POLICY One policy fits all. Correct? Existing global ICT regime should be reconsidered specifically for developing countries. The definition of basic service? Will policies which may weaken incumbent operators help closing the digital divide? Cross subsidisation? Cost-based pricing?

ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS Social policy research on ICT’s in developing countries especially in local universities of media, communication, technology policy. Programs should focus on improving the decision-making process within developing countries.

ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS Programs and pilot projects themselves be designed with developing country input: Experts, academicians Local industry NGO’s Government

IMF and WB They have the power to influence decisions taken in many developing countries. Telecom reform should be seen an end in itself not means to cover debts or budget deficits. They should develop policies aimed at closing the digital divide, like setting up universal service funds and other means.