Digital Inclusion in the Broadband World: Challenges for Australia
This paper discusses the potentially looming 'digital participation gap' in Australia, if concerted efforts are not commenced soon to make certain that poor, remote and vulnerable communities in Australia are not actively included in the fast internet roll-out. The paper:
- examines the NBN Co roll-out timing and assumptions;
- asks the question 'why broadband?';
- analyses the characteristics of 'non-adopters' and those at risk of not connecting to broadband internet;
- reviews two pilot 'digital inclusion' initiatives (one in Australia and one in the USA); and
- makes a number of recommendations that will enhance digital inclusion efforts in Australia.
