From Digital Divide to Digital Opportunity – Policy Issues Kelly Levy, Associate Administrator National Telecommunications and Information Administration U.S. Department of Commerce (

U.S. Vision: Digital Inclusion Using information technology tools to enhance our standard of living Goal: toward greater digital inclusion for all our citizens

Benefits of Online Access Lower prices and greater productivity Enhanced educational resources Job and health care information Easy access to government services Vital research tool Online communities Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Digital Economy 2000 (June 2000)

United States Policy Approach Broaden Access Provide Skilled Teachers and Training Promote Relevant Content and Applications Source: “From Digital Divide to Digital Opportunity” (

Broaden Access Two fundamental components: Promote affordable access through a pro- competitive telecommunications and information marketplace. Assist in providing connectivity for those segments of society that are falling behind or most at risk.

Importance of Competition Generates lower prices for computers, wireless devices, and Internet access Spurs innovation for new products and services Provides consumers with more choices

Targeted Support Universal service programs The “E-rate” program – provides telecommunications services, internal connections, and Internet access to schools and libraries at discounted rates Grant programs  Technology Opportunities Program  Community Technology Centers Program  Neighborhood Networks Program

Strong Role by Private Sector Leadership by businesses and non-profit organizations  Financial resources  Development of community access centers  Innovative payment plans  Training programs  Mentor programs  Grant programs

Provide Skilled Teachers and Training Developing talented people who can apply technology to deliver better educational, health, and social services Teacher training End -user training

Promoting Relevant Content and Applications Developing content that is relevant and useful to a variety of groups Creating local content for underserved areas Promoting applications of technology to improve health care, expand educational opportunities, aid small businesses, enhance public safety

Online Content for Underserved Americans Number and Percent of 1,000 sites included in survey that addressed content barriers  Local Information (61 sites - 6 percent)  Local Jobs (9 sites - 1 percent)  Local Housing (8 sites - 1 percent)  Limited Literacy (10 sites - 1 percent)  Multilingual (20 sites - 2 percent)  Cultural (5 sites - 1 percent) Source: The Children’s Partnership, Online Content for Low-Income and Underserved Americans (March 2000)

Steps to Provide Online Content Provide easy search tools to find local information. Invest in community technology centers to help residents produce and use relevant content. Work with industry to gather and distribute online resources and tools. Provide IT training for low-income users and community users.

Public Awareness

For more information… The U.S. Government’s digital divide website A valuable digital divide website highlighting the efforts of the U.S. private sector