Digital Divide
A socio-economic class barrier that consists of lack of accessibility to information technology related knowledge, skills, network access and digital community.
The divide is often primarily thought of as being a lack of "broadband access" (or indeed even POTS access) to the global Internet but it is also a result of lack of accessibility to computer systems knowledge and information theory.
Other factors include the high cost of network deployment and education, poverty preventing people from affording network services and education, and closed/proprietary technologies that drive the information economy but are not readily accessible (either for use or learning how the technology functions) to people without the necessary financial resources.
The digital divide has often been seen in Hollywood with plot lines based around the premise of the "Hacker vs. Goliath Company" wars. The divide is also seen by many Community Groups, some of which who work to address the issue of connectivity but ignore the human element of skills, education and experience thus furthering the gap.
The OpenSourceMovement's philosophy and methods are often used by well-rounded community projects to address the divide's wide range of issues.
In British Columbia, the Digital Divide has been addressed by various levels of Government and the non-profit sector in terms of bringing affordable broadband access to rural and underserved communities.
Network BC
NetworkBC, within the Office of the Chief Information Officer for British Columbia has been instrumental in bridging the Digital Divide in British Columbia. Financial support of conferences, workshops, grant programs and working with TELUS, NetworkBC has greatly assisted Rural British Columbia in gaining access to broadband infrastructure and pricing comparable to the Lower Mainland.
First Nations Technology Council
The FNTC has developed technology and capacity programs to improve quality of life and fully integrate technology within First Nations communities in BC at all levels.
BC3
The British Columbia Community Co-Operative was formed to deliver workshops and provide support to non-profit and municipal organizations in Rural British Columbia. In partnership with NetworkBC and FNTC, BC3 successfully delivered many technology and business planning workshops to assist community networks in deploying broadband networks.
Pacific Community Network Association
The PCNA is an association of Community Networks in BC who primarily operate Community Access Sites and tele-centers, providing for assistance and internet access.
British Columbia Wireless Network Society
B.C. Wireless has assisted various communities and individuals in the deployment of Broadband infrastructure through hands on demonstrations of wireless technology, technical assistance and workshops with BC3. B.C. Wireless's mandate to provide education through the development of open technologies and advocacy for community oriented networks addresses the non-infrastructural side of the Digital Divide.
