Crossing the Divide

Access to the internet and the opportunities it brings should be seen as a basic human right.

Vint Cerf, one of the co-founders of the internet.

With e-commerce and web services now a dominant force in the world economy, access to digital technology and the internet is a fundamental necessity. But let's face it: not everyone has an equal shot at participating in the digital realm. This glaring disparity, known as the "digital divide," highlights the systemic injustices plaguing our society. It's time to address the urgent need for change, for real solutions.

The digital divide stems from the grossly unequal distribution of resources required to engage with technology effectively. Rural and remote areas suffer from woefully inadequate internet connectivity, while urban regions enjoy lightning-fast speeds. The result? Education, job opportunities, and vital information are stripped away from those on the wrong side of the divide.

And if you think connectivity is the only hurdle, think again. The exorbitant cost of access further exacerbates this unjust divide. Internet service providers shamelessly milk low-income families with sky-high fees, denying them the right to thrive in the digital age. Economic disparity continues to widen the gap, perpetuating an insidious cycle of marginalization.

But wait, there's more. Technological illiteracy compounds the issue, leaving countless individuals adrift in digital a Devil’s Triangle. Older adults and the economically disadvantaged struggle to navigate digital platforms, rendering them unable to tap into online resources critical for success—job search engines, educational platforms, healthcare information—denied to them by their lack of digital proficiency. Their potential, stifled by a society that fails to provide equitable opportunities.

The consequences of this divide are catastrophic. Education becomes a battleground where students without digital resources at home fight an uphill battle—struggling to complete assignments, conduct research, and develop vital digital skills. Schools want to prepare students for the increasingly digital workplace, but give no consideration to internet dead zones or limited access to technology. This just puts students five steps behind, leaving them ill prepared and discouraged. In the job market, limited digital prowess translates into fewer well-paying opportunities, deepening social and economic inequities that have plagued our world for far too long.

Enough is enough. It's time for governments, nonprofits, and the private sector to step up and take responsibility. Universal connectivity must become a non-negotiable priority. We demand broadband infrastructure expansion in underserved areas, leaving no community stranded on the wrong side of the digital abyss. Governments must invest, provide subsidies, and dismantle the economic barriers that lock disadvantaged families out of the digital age.

But infrastructure alone won't cut it. We need comprehensive digital literacy and skills training programs to empower those left behind. Let's make digital literacy courses, workshops, and mentorship opportunities widely available. Schools, libraries, and community centers can serve as beacons of hope, providing technology access and training for those in desperate need.

Affordability is a fundamental battlefront. It's time for governments to collaborate with internet service providers and negotiate reduced rates. Establish community internet centers where individuals can access the digital world without emptying their pockets. The internet should be a basic right, not a luxury reserved for the privileged few.

We can no longer turn a blind eye to the digital divide. It's a disgraceful reflection of our society's failures and a direct assault on social justice and equal opportunity. Let's reclaim our humanity and work towards a future where access to technology is a birthright, not a privilege. The time for action is now—let's bridge the digital divide and build a truly inclusive digital landscape. The internet was never meant to be a commercial property. It was monetized by service providers who corroded the fundamental social advantage it presented. We need to close the gap by making access free for everyone. This would not even disrupt the corporate profit models as most ISP’s are components of telecomm industry juggernauts whose profit centers exist elsewhere. The time has come. Access now. No more excuses.