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Beyond Broadband Access: What are Governments Doing to Address the True Digital Divide?
2025-11-22 - 03:34 pm
Reframing the Divide: Shifting the focus from just physical access to the internet (broadband infrastructure) to the multi-faceted problem that includes affordability, digital skills (literacy), and device access.
Global Policy Examples: Examining successful government initiatives from around the world, such as mandatory low-cost service tiers (Universal Service Obligations) or targeted subsidies for low-income families.
The Role of Libraries and Community Centers: Discussing non-infrastructure-based public policy solutions, including funding for public access points and digital skills training programs for seniors and marginalized groups.
The Affordability Hurdle: Analyzing how the cost of devices (laptops, tablets) and monthly service fees often remains the primary barrier, even where fiber or 5G coverage exists.
Measuring Success: Exploring the metrics governments use to gauge the effectiveness of their digital equity policies and whether these metrics accurately reflect improvements in social mobility and civic participation.