Regular followers know that I have been beating the drum for some time to get computers and broadband into low income homes with school aged children. Half of all households in the lowest income quintile lack a computer.
The past few months have been more encouraging, as some groups have let me know that they are looking at how they can participate – with computers, training, and connectivity.
At the ISP Summit earlier this evening, it was encouraging to see CRTC Jean-Pierre Blais challenge the ISP industry:
Consider this. Leading American ISPs, technology companies and not-for-profit organizations have started a program to bridge the growing disparity between the “digital-haves” and “digital have-nots.” By providing hardware, broadband access and digital literacy training to low-income Americans, rural Americans, seniors and minorities, they are helping those caught in the socio-economic divide to capitalize on the benefits of the Internet.
Why? How? Evidence shows that students who have a computer and broadband Internet connection at home are more likely to succeed at school. Online consumers can save a substantial amount each year by shopping smarter. And, more than 80% of Fortune 500 companies require potential employees to apply for jobs online. The flip-side is also true: none of these benefits can be realized without access to the Internet.
It is gratifying that the CRTC Chair understands the problem and we hope his support will help encourage the execution of a solution. A lot of people are putting a lot of effort into getting connected computers into low income households. Earlier in the day, I met with folks who are working on solving the challenge of having computers and software available. And there are people trying to develop a solution for connectivity.
We’re approaching the end of another year. In my last blog post of 2011 (“Be it resolved“) I resolved to move the yardsticks on this program. For the past 3 years, at The Canadian Telecom Summit, I have called on carriers to do more. In January 2011, I estimated that we need a million computers to ensure that all school aged children have access to a connected home computer.
So another year has nearly finished. I remain optimistic. Momentum continues to build, but we still haven’t seen a program launched despite all the best intentions.
In my year-end blog post, I suggested it might be easier than my other resolution. That may be true, but so far I have failure on both counts. Connecting Canadians has moved closer to its goal than my objective to lose 20 pounds.
I would like to be able to announce a successful project launch at The 2013 Canadian Telecom Summit in June. Who is with me?