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CPSR Newsletter 17, 2
Volume 17, Number 2 The CPSR Newsletter Fall 1999

Tackling the Digital Divide in the Bay Area by Seth G. Fearey
Connected Communities

It's no surprise that we have a digital divide

Today's digital divide comes from the same forces that created a gap in telephone ownership in the first half of the century. Computers and software still cost real money. They are not at the top of the priority list, and, it's not at all obvious how to put them to constructive use. You can't expect someone working for minimum wage to place a higher value on having a computer than keeping the car alive, or buying clothes for children.

But we have to narrow the divide. Not by providing every home with a computer and DSL line, but by providing low income workers with information age skills. We have a substantial labor shortage in technical fields today that is forcing us to import skilled workers from all over the world. The wealth gap is also growing in this country; marginalizing a substantial proportion of our work force. Computers and the Internet can help people acquire information age skills and find quality jobs.

A few facts and figures

The Department of Commerce has been monitoring the digital divide since 1994. The latest report, Falling Through the Net, was published in July 1999 and can be found at www.ntia.doc.gov. The report is full of charts based on nationwide surveys conducted by the U.S. Bureau of the Census. The following charts capture some of the key points.

Households with a Computer by Race, USA 1998

Households with a Computer by Race, USA 1998

Households with a Computer by Income, 1998

Households with a Computer by Income, 1998

Household Computer Penetration by Location

Household Computer Penetration by Location

The Gap: Household Computer Penetration by Race, 1994-1998

Household Computer Penetration by Race, 1994-1998

The Gap: Households Using the Internet by Race, 1997-1998

Households Using the Internet by Race, 1997-1998

The gaps in computer ownership and Internet access are growing, but we should note that computer ownership by minorities increased 13 percentage points in four years, and Internet access grew 4 points in one year. Also note that when incomes are equal, there is little difference in computer ownership by race.

Households Earning Over $75K/yr. with a Computer by Race, 1998

Households Earning Over $75K/yr. with a Computer by Race, 1998

Computer skills are critical in the information age.

The Bay area has tens of thousands of job openings. It is difficult today to find a job that doesn't require some level of computer skills, even if it is just operating a modern cash register. The Internet empowers people by giving them access to information. One of the most popular uses of public access devices is job hunting. The medical information on the Web helps people prepare for meetings with healthcare providers, allowing them to ask tougher questions and explore more options.

Another popular application is taking classes on-line. More and more community colleges and other training institutions are putting rigorous degree and certificate programs on-line. The Internet allows students to take a class on their schedule, not the schools, freeing up time for work and family.

Shopping on the Web can save scarce cash. Prices for goods on the Internet average 13% less than retail outlets, including discount stores. Grocery delivery services save valuable time for working mothers and fathers with kids at home.

There are proven solutions.

Community Access Centers (CSC) have sprung up across the country. Community Technology Centers' Network [ www.ctcnet.org ] lists nine in the Bay Area. Some of the best known are Plugged In, Glide Memorial Church, and the Eastmont Shopping Mall. Each offers cheap or free classes, and access to computers with good connections to the Internet.

Almost every library in the Bay Area has public access devices. They are incredibly popular. Many have signup sheets and half hour time limits. When school lets out, the kids run to the library. Many libraries offer classes and expert advice. Some have special programs for Spanish speakers and other languages. Some have devices that make computers accessible to the visually disabled.

The federal E-Rate program provides discounted telecommunications services to schools and libraries tied to the federal school lunch subsidy. The more students in the lunch program, the higher the discount. This $2.25 billion per year program, paid for by every telephone user, is helping thousands of schools and libraries offer high speed access to people who could never afford it on their own.

Cisco and 3Com have created training programs in schools to teach network management skills. These programs are turning high school graduates into skilled workers who can command salaries over $40,000 a year.

OICW has a comprehensive program for adults that make sure students get the basics under control before taking classes in word processing, databases, computer graphics, and computer servicing. Access to Software helps disadvantaged high schoolers learn how to provide computer support services on the job, while they get paid.

We can make a difference.

Filling in the digital divide is possible. Lifeline services and pay phones help bring telephony to almost low income households. Falling computer and communications prices, and greater ease of use will make information technology more accessible over time.

But a lot can be done today to help today's unemployed and underemployed fill today's job openings. Volunteer to teach a class, recruit workers from the programs I have identified, and send financial support to the programs doing the best job.

What's inside...

© Computer Professionals for Social Responsibility
P.O. Box 717
Palo Alto, CA 94302-0717
Tel. (415) 322-3778
Fax (415) 322-3798
webmaster@cpsr.org

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