There are many proposed solutions to address digital divides. We covered two approaches when we looked at the National Broadband Task Force. The Infrastructure Support model suggested that as technology spreads and markets grow, costs will come down, encouraging more people to connect. The Community Aggregator model sees broadband development as a means to support broader aspects of community and economic development. It encouraged non-profit organizations to carry out their own ICT4D initiatives.
These different approaches suggest that we need to pay attention to the ways that digital divides are bridged. In some cases, greater ICT diffusion can increase inequalities in access and use. For example, to maximize profits, broadband network operators can set up differentiated levels of access.
These challenges link to the broader political economy of networked digital technologies. We explored this debate earlier, drawing on authors like Robert McChesney who outlined the concentrations of economic and political power reflected in broadband industries. The link below leads to an interview with law professor Susan Crawford, who describes broadband services in the U.S. during an interview with Bill Moyers.
(from the Bill Moyers Show; Feb 6, 2013)