What causes digital divide and how to close it?

What causes digital divide and how to close it? is profiled by BTW Media because published evidence links it to internet infrastructure, governance, operational dependencies, or market visibility.

• Digital divide refers to the gap between those who have access to digital technologies such as the Internet and those who do not.
• Governments and international organisations need to implement policies to improve ICT infrastructure and reduce the cost of digital access.

Digital divide represents not only disparities in access to technology, but also inequalities in education, economic opportunity, health care, and social inclusion. Addressing the digital divide requires comprehensive strategies to address infrastructure gaps, promote digital literacy, and ensure equitable access to the benefits of digital technologies for all individuals and communities globally.

What is digital divide

Digital divide refers to the gap between those who have access to modern information and communication technologies (ICTs), such as the Internet and digital devices, and those who do not. This gap can be seen at all levels, including access to technology, digital literacy, and the ability to effectively use and benefit from digital resources. These factors contribute to the digital divide:

1. Infrastructure: Differences in ICT infrastructure, such as the availability and quality of broadband, especially in rural and remote areas.

2. Economic factors: The affordability of digital devices and Internet services, which can be too expensive for low-income individuals and communities.

3. Education gap: Lack of digital literacy skills and training prevents individuals from effectively using and benefiting from digital technologies.

4. Geographical location: ICT infrastructure in rural and remote areas tends to be poor compared to urban centres, resulting in limited access and slower Internet speeds.

5. Social factors: Socioeconomic status, age, gender and disability affect access to and proficiency in digital technologies.

Also read: GSMA promotes spread of smartphones in poor countries

Impact of digital divide

Limited access to digital resources and skills can hinder educational opportunities and learning outcomes, widening the gap in access to quality education.

Access to digital technologies is essential for accessing online employment opportunities, starting businesses, and participating in the digital economy. The digital divide will exacerbate income inequality. Lack of access to telemedicine and online health information can limit access to health care, especially in remote and underserved areas.

Digital exclusion marginalises individuals and communities, reducing opportunities for social participation, access to government services, and civic engagement. Countries and regions with a large digital divide are likely to lag behind in innovation, technological progress, and overall socio-economic development.

Also read: SONET: Revolutionising data transmission in the digital era

Efforts to bridge digital divide

Governments and international organisations implement policies to improve ICT infrastructure and reduce the cost of digital access. Non-governmental organisations (ngos) and community-based organisations actively provide digital skills training, access to affordable technology, and support digital inclusion efforts.

Partnerships between governments, private sector companies and civil society organisations to expand ICT infrastructure, promote digital literacy, develop tailored solutions for underserved populations, and integrate digital literacy and ICT skills training into formal education curricula.