Introduction

In some ways the digital divide makes a fine example, albeit a very unfortunate one, of the Square Cube Law. It’s not simply that the digital divide itself is growing exponentially, but the rate at which commerce depends upon electronic networking climbs at a similar clip.

We in the first world have a responsibility to take on this gap, if not for altruistic purposes, then for our own benefit. As more and more of the populace becomes disenfranchised, they in turn cannot contribute to culture, physical needs, and commerce. Sooner or later we will all suffer the loss.

Discussion

Several solutions to attacking the digital divide are being tested and applied with varying degrees of success. All have their advantages and challenges.

Physical Connections

Usually when the digital divide is mentioned, the idea of having no physical connection springs to mind, and with good reason. Oft repeated elsewhere in my articles is that only ~40% of the world is online at all. Of that 40%, very few enjoy a quality of connection we take for granted.

On the surface this is an easy problem to solve. String some fiber optic, fire up an access point or two and everyone is connected, and there is some truth to this. Infrastructure is the first step to a connected society.

There are however a few challenges.

Infrastructure

What infrastructure is best suited? Satellite connections might work well in the highlands of Nepal where the open shy is plentiful and wired infrastructure is prone to destruction by the unpredictable Himalayan wind shear – but the same concept would be virtually useless in the thick canopy of South America’s rain forests.

Contact Point

Once connectivity groundwork is laid out, how do you actually connect the people living next to it? A few WIFI access points might have the capacity to cover an entire village, but what good is that when no one owns a phone? Place a phone in everyone’s hands? How long can they be expected to last in a harsh environment where the most basic human needs are sometimes a privilege?

A more prudent solution might be something akin to an internet cafe, where centralized maintenance can take place, but this again does little to connect individuals on an every day basis.

Virtual Connections

By virtual, I’m not talking about a failed GameBoy offshoot from the early 90’s. There is more to being connected than having a wire and a computer. The to us perfunctory skill of operating and maintaining electronic equipment is mythical to most of the world. Typing, searching, installing software, and understanding search heuristics on the most basic level are all skills that are necessary for an online world to be anything beyond a curious novelty.

Is it realistic to expect we can educate the entire world at the same rate we run wires into their territory? If not, how do we open up the online world to people not equipped to use it while offering the level of power that we in the first world enjoy?

Follow The Money

The final challenge is one that sees little discussion, but may pose the greatest danger to a connected, free society. I’ve barely skimmed the surface of approaches and pitfalls when attempting to connect the world, but it is obvious to anyone no matter what approach is used, that approach will be costly.

The danger though is not one o lacking funds (though of course that is a problem). It is one of power. SOMEONE is paying for the “free” WIFI in your neighborhood or a fr away country. It might be you through taxes, a Non-Profit, or some mega corp looking for publicity. In any case, the purse holds the power, and by ceding the responsibility of connection to another entity, one cedes control.

We in the first world still have a choice of how we choose to connect. Even in monopolized areas we have some (however infinitesimal) power since we are direct customers. Third world areas have no such privilege. It might not hurt to take a long look at the long term ramifications and motivations of a single entity trying to connect X territory.

Conclusion

Lots of negativity, yes? It’s only caution – we can and should push to connect the world, but in doing so avoid being dogmatic. No solution is perfect. Instead a multifaceted, careful approach based on the needs of culture, environment, and economic realities should be taken. In short, crossing the digital divide is a marathon, not a sprint.