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Written by Tony Phelps
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Thursday, 17 November 2005 |
Many of the articles of this column rabbit on as if most or even all
people use a computer, whether at home or at work. Of course, this just
is not the case. It is estimated that as little as 8-9% of the world’s
population has access to the Internet, and little more have access to a
computer or mobile phone.
Technology itself is not an answer to economic differences, nor is
providing access to it. There is much debate about the definition of
“digital divide” and some even argue that there is no such thing – they
say it is simply a distracting term that allows governments to sell
quick and easy solutions to complex and long-term problems. After all,
if everyone on Aneityum were given wireless internet access and a
laptop computer, they would not suddenly know how to use them, nor
suddenly find the skills to develop and market themselves and their
products online, nor would it suddenly become easy for them to ship
products to the rest of the world.
Information technology definitely provides an advantage to
organisations and individuals that have it and know how to use it
effectively. It opens up vastly larger markets and opportunities, it
provides access to a huge store of constantly-updated information, and
it automates processes that otherwise tie up people and time. One of
the most important benefits is the speed, ease and cheapness of
communication that the internet provides. But all of this is only
useful for people or businesses that can use such advantages to improve
what they do. It won’t make more bananas grow faster, it won’t provide
more inter-island ferries, it won’t build roads or airports.
Access to information technology is nonetheless a key aspect in
addressing the economic future. The government can provide more
services at lower cost, businesses can spend less time on paperwork and
more time selling to a bigger market, and people can swap news and
information about the running of their country quickly and easily.
The digital divide is just an extension of the money divide, the
education divide, and the housing divide – age-old issues that will
probably never be totally resolved. The ‘digital divide’ has become
known because it arises from something new in the world. It is
therefore important to ensure that it is addressed at the same time and
as part of the same strategies that the other divides are addressed. IT
is important to the future of Vanuatu as it is to the rest of the world
– wherever you get the chance, make sure it is included as part of
Vanuatu’s development. |
