Week 6 Discussion

In order to fulfill ethical guidelines, society is responsible for providing affordable broadband service, affordable device ownership programs, digital skill training, hardware and software customer support, and a service to aid users to find the previously listed items. One barrier that prevents residents from obtaining the previously mentioned is geographic. Many people live in rural areas, and it is not profitable for broadband providers to establish fiberoptic cables in small, spreadout communities. Rural residents often have to turn to satellite internet, which can be extremely slow and unreliable. It also takes a long time for satellite internet to be set up, as someone has to install a satellite dish to the home. This is common in countries both developed and underdeveloped. This has personally affected myself during the pandemic, as I am from a rural area with no fiberoptic internet services available. This made it difficult to attend classes and take exams, especially when professors were less than understanding of my internet situation. Other inequitable bases in which service has been denied include income, race, and ethnicity.

There are many possible strategies that could be critical to fighting against digital inequity. Ultiamtely, digital devices, broadband, and assistance to use this technology needs to be brought to the homes of the marginalized. This will require the coordination and cooperation of technology companies, government institutions, and other community members. I watched a video from NY1 Spectrum News in 2016 that was related to the assigned “Bridging the Digital Divide” video describing how New York City Councilman Ben Kallos and executive director of PowerMyLearning Elizabeth John are working together to bring technology to children in low income households. Internet service provider Spectrum has partnered with the city in order to provide households with children on the free and reduced price school lunch program with technology training and internet at a reduced price. These steps help to close the digital gap and create a more equitable city.

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